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, entitled the "Health Insurance Claim Plain Language and Simplification Act," requires health insurance carriers to provide explanation of benefits forms to covered persons which include certain information on the form in a certain format, and to use simple, plain language that is clearly understandable. The bill requires every carrier issuing health benefits plans in this State to provide a written explanation of benefits form to a covered person whenever a claim is generated under the covered person's health benefits plan. The explanation of benefits form shall contain all of the following information on the first page of the form: (1) the name of the insured, the name of the health care provider, the date of service, the amount of the claim, the amount paid by the carrier, and the amount to be paid by the covered person; (2) if a claim is paid in whole or in part, an explanation of the reasons that the claim was paid in whole or in part; (3) if a claim is denied, an explanation of the reasons that the claim is denied; and (4) instructions as to any action that the covered person is required to take with respect to the claim or any option which may be available to the covered person with respect to the determination of benefits for that claim. The bill requires this information to be the only information provided on the first page of the explanation of benefits form and requires the information to be in 12-point font. The bill also requires the information to be in simple, plain language that is clearly understandable to covered persons, in a manner consistent with the "Life and Health Insurance Policy Language Simplification Act," P.L.1979, c.167 (C.17B:17-17 et seq.).
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Health Insurance Claim Plain Language and Simplification Act," mandates that health insurance companies operating in the state must provide a written Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form to individuals covered by their plans whenever a claim is processed. This EOB must clearly present essential information on its first page, including the names of the insured and healthcare provider, the date of service, the total claim amount, what the insurance carrier paid, and the portion the covered person owes. Crucially, the EOB must also explain why a claim was paid, in whole or in part, or why it was denied, and provide clear instructions on any actions the covered person needs to take or any available options regarding their benefits. This vital information must be presented in a 12-point font, using simple, easy-to-understand language, aligning with the principles of the existing "Life and Health Insurance Policy Language Simplification Act" to ensure clarity for all policyholders.
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/S963 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/963_I1.HTM |
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