Bill
Bill > A2822
NJ A2822
NJ A2822"Breann's Law" requires health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program 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 Family Care, 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 Program, and NJ FamilyCare must provide coverage for children diagnosed with a "catastrophic illness," which is defined as a life-threatening or severely disabling acute or prolonged illness, even if the healthcare services are received from an "out-of-network" provider, meaning a doctor or hospital not contracted with the insurer. This out-of-network coverage must be provided to the same extent as in-network coverage, but only if the services are medically necessary and are provided after a referral from an in-network provider. The law aims to ensure that children with severe illnesses can access necessary care without being denied coverage simply because their chosen provider is not part of their insurance network, a situation that arose for a child named Breann LaManna.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance 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/A2822 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2822_I1.HTM |
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