Bill > A2649

This bill mandates that health insurance providers, including various types of health, hospital, and medical service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and the State Health Benefits Program, must cover annual mental health screenings as part of their benefits. This requirement aligns with federal law, specifically the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which ensures that mental health and substance use disorder benefits are provided under the same terms and conditions as other medical benefits, meaning insurers cannot impose more restrictive limitations on mental health care than on other types of care. The bill specifies that "mental health condition" and "substance use disorder" are defined according to current medical standards, and "same terms and conditions" prevents discriminatory practices like stricter copayments or annual limits for mental health services. These new provisions will become effective 90 days after the bill is enacted and will apply to all health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after that date.

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https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2649