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 amends P.L.2008, c.126, "Grace's Law," by removing the specification that health insurers (health, hospital, and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCare Program) provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid only for covered persons who are 15 years old or younger. The bill generalizes the requirement so that health insurers must provide these benefits regardless of the covered person's age. In addition, the bill supplements P.L.2007, c.103 (C.52:14-17.46.1 et seq.) to require the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission to ensure that every contract purchased by the commission meets the same requirements for hearing aid coverage as "Grace's Law." The provisions of the bill will take effect 90 days after the date of enactment and will apply to all health benefits plans issued or renewed on or after that date.
AI Summary
This bill expands coverage for hearing aids under various health insurance plans and programs in New Jersey by removing the age restriction that previously limited coverage to individuals 15 years old or younger. This means that health insurers, including hospital and medical service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and plans like the State Health Benefits Program and NJ FamilyCare, will now be required to cover medically necessary hearing aids for all covered individuals, regardless of age. Additionally, the bill mandates that the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission ensure all its contracts also include this comprehensive hearing aid coverage. The coverage generally includes the purchase of a hearing aid for each ear, with a potential limit of $1,000 per hearing aid every 24 months, and allows individuals to pay the difference for more expensive models without penalty. These changes will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted and will apply to new and renewed health benefit plans thereafter.
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
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S545 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/545_I1.HTM |
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