New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2310

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

Impact

The implementation of A2310 would transform how insurance policies address mental health care for victims of domestic violence across the state of New Jersey. All health insurance plans would need to comply, leading to broader access to mental health resources for individuals affected by domestic violence. By recognizing mental health treatment as vital and medically necessary, supporters argue that this bill can facilitate recovery and improve the overall well-being of victims, who often suffer long-term psychological impacts as a result of their experiences.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2310 mandates that health insurance carriers categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victims of domestic violence as medically necessary, thereby requiring full benefits coverage for such treatments. This legislation seeks to close a significant gap in current healthcare policy where mental health services for domestic violence victims are not currently covered to the same extent as physical health services related to similar incidents. The bill aims to ensure that victims have access to necessary mental health care without facing financial barriers.

Contention

While the bill has gained significant support from advocacy groups and mental health professionals who advocate for better treatment options for domestic violence victims, there may be resistance from some insurance carriers concerned about the potential financial implications associated with increased coverage requirements. Opponents may argue that mandating coverage could lead to higher insurance premiums or limited availability of services. Balancing these concerns while ensuring comprehensive care for vulnerable populations will be a critical aspect of the ongoing discussions surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

NJ S2020

Same As Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ A1924

Carry Over Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ S3031

Carry Over Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

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