New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4018

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  
Report Pass
5/22/25  

Caption

Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.

Impact

The implementation of S4018 is expected to significantly enhance the availability of behavioral health resources for children under 18 years old. By requiring health insurers, including state Medicaid programs, to provide coverage for preventative screenings and treatments, the bill promotes early intervention and support, potentially reducing the long-term costs associated with untreated mental health issues. The bill applies to all health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after the effective date, emphasizing the importance of preventive care in the earlier stages of life.

Summary

S4018 is a legislative bill that mandates health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the screening, prevention, and treatment of behavioral health issues affecting children in New Jersey. The bill aims to address the growing concern over children's mental health by ensuring accessible preventive services without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis. This is achieved through the authorization of billing for an 'at-risk diagnosis,' which considers various factors such as family circumstances and life challenges that may impact a child's developmental and behavioral health.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding S4018 may involve policy discussions regarding the adequacy of funding for such coverage, as well as concerns about the administrative burden on providers and insurers. Opponents might argue that the introduction of an 'at-risk diagnosis' could lead to an increase in claims and require substantial training for providers to implement the new billing codes correctly. Additionally, discussions may arise about the adequacy of existing healthcare resources to meet the increased demand for coverage under this new mandate.

Companion Bills

NJ A5052

Same As Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5052

Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.

NJ AB898

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment services: behavioral health.

NJ HB2097

Health insurance; coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings.

NJ SB1314

Health insurance; coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings.

NJ HB1578

Health insurance and Medicaid; require coverage for postpartum depression screenings.

NJ S3259

Requires health insurance coverage for certain obesity treatments.

NJ S2448

Requires health insurance coverage for certain obesity treatments.

NJ A4781

Requires health insurance coverage for certain obesity treatments.

NJ S4148

Establishes "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act"; requires health insurance coverage of medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments.

NJ A5278

Establishes "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act"; requires health insurance coverage of medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments.

Similar Bills

NJ A5052

Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.

CA AB898

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment services: behavioral health.

CA SB855

Health coverage: mental health or substance use disorders.

CT HB06847

An Act Enhancing Access To Behavioral Health Services And Services For Youths With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

CT SB01085

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Mental Or Nervous Conditions.

CT SB00320

An Act Concerning Early Childhood Developmental Disorders.

CT SB00099

An Act Concerning Benefits Payable For Assessments To Determine A Diagnosis Of A Condition And Related Consultations.

WV SB80

Increasing required medical coverage for autism spectrum disorders