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Bill > S1450


NJ S1450

NJ S1450
Requires health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger. Under current law, health insurance companies are only required to cover screenings by blood lead measurement for children under the age of six. This bill will help protect the children of New Jersey from the harms of lead poisoning and elevated blood lead levels. There is no safe level of lead exposure in children, as even low levels of lead in the bloodstream can stunt a child's development. By requiring health insurance companies to cover lead screenings in children who are 16 years of age or younger, the State will be taking a substantial step to detect lead exposure in children before it is too late.

AI Summary

This bill requires health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger. Under current law, health insurance companies are only required to cover screenings for children under the age of six. This bill aims to expand coverage and help detect lead exposure in children before it causes significant developmental issues, as there is no safe level of lead exposure in children. The bill requires the Department of Health to specify regulations on the lead screening requirements, including the age of initial screening, time intervals, follow-up testing, and the levels of lead in the bloodstream that necessitate responsive action. The bill also requires coordination with the State Medicaid program to ensure maximum federal financial participation for the lead screening services.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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