New Jersey Senate Bill S3762

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/7/24
• Refer: 10/7/24

Caption

Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Impact

The implications of S3762 are significant for individuals with hearing impairments, as it aims to improve accessibility to necessary healthcare services. By requiring coverage for sign language interpretation, the bill seeks to comply with existing federal regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures equal access for individuals with disabilities. Healthcare providers would be required to bear the costs associated with interpreter services, thus elevating the standard of care and ensuring that patients can communicate effectively with their healthcare professionals.

Summary

Senate Bill S3762 establishes health insurance coverage requirements for sign language interpreter services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during healthcare encounters. The bill mandates that private health insurance plans, as well as state programs like the NJ FamilyCare, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), provide coverage for interpreter services at specified rates. Specifically, it sets a minimum reimbursement rate of $42.40 per hour for NJ FamilyCare participants and $42.53 for those under the SHBP and SEHBP, ensuring that qualified services are financially accessible to enrollees who need them.

Contention

Notably, the bill stipulates that interpreter services cannot be provided by family members or friends unless they are qualified interpreters and have the consent of the individual receiving care. This provision aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest, particularly in sensitive cases such as suspected domestic violence or child abuse, where it is critical to ensure that impartial communication is maintained. The requirement for qualified interpreters also serves to standardize the quality of interpretation during medical encounters, which is essential for ensuring accurate communication and understanding.

Federal compliance

The effectiveness of the NJ FamilyCare coverage for interpreter services is contingent upon federal approval of necessary Medicaid waivers, reinforcing the importance of aligning state regulations with federal standards. The bill connects its provisions to the legal rights established under federal law, affirming the state's commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of its deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.