Bill
Bill > S1554
NJ S1554
NJ S1554"Breann's Law" requires health insurers, SHBP and NJ FamilyCare to provide "out-of-network" coverage for children with catastrophic illnesses.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill, "Breann's Law," is named for Breann LaManna, a young New Jersey girl who was denied "out-of-network" coverage for a life threatening illness. The bill requires health insurers, as well as the State Health Benefits Plan and NJ FamilyCare, to provide benefits for services provided by an "out-of-network" provider to the same extent as they would be provided if performed in-network, when the services are for a covered child who is suffering from a catastrophic illness, after a referral from an in-network provider. Catastrophic illness is defined in the bill as an acute or prolonged illness usually considered to be life-threatening or with the threat of serious residual disability.
AI Summary
This bill, known as "Breann's Law," mandates that health insurers, the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP), and NJ FamilyCare must provide coverage for children with a "catastrophic illness," which is defined as a life-threatening or severely disabling acute or prolonged illness, even if the care is received from an "out-of-network" provider, meaning a doctor or facility not contracted with the insurer. This coverage is required to be at the same level as if the care were provided by an in-network provider, but only after a referral from an in-network provider, ensuring that children facing severe health crises have access to necessary treatments regardless of network limitations.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1554 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1554_I1.HTM |
Loading...