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Bill > A1937
NJ A1937
NJ A1937Requires health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger.
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 requires health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger. Under current law, health insurance companies are only required to cover screenings by blood lead measurement for children under the age of six. This bill will help protect the children of New Jersey from the harms of lead poisoning and elevated blood lead levels. There is no safe level of lead exposure in children, as even low levels of lead in the bloodstream can stunt a child's development. By requiring health insurance companies to cover lead screenings in children who are 16 years of age or younger, the State will be taking a substantial step to detect lead exposure in children before it is too late.
AI Summary
This bill expands the requirement for health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children, extending the age from under six years old to 16 years of age or younger, aiming to protect children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. The bill amends existing law to ensure that physicians, nurses, and healthcare facilities must offer lead screenings to all children up to age 16, unless they have already been screened, and also requires that siblings or other household members under 16 be screened if an elevated blood lead level is detected in a child. This change is significant because lead exposure can negatively impact a child's development, and by broadening the screening age, the state aims to detect and address lead exposure earlier and more comprehensively.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
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/A1937 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1937_I1.HTM |
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