Bill

Bill > A2308


NJ A2308

NJ A2308
Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for enrollment of student in recovery high school alternative education program.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial 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 School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to provide coverage for benefits for the enrollment of a student in a recovery high school alternative education program established pursuant to State law. The bill requires health insurance coverage only if placement in the recovery high school alternative education program is determined to be clinically appropriate by a certified alcohol and drug counselor, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, treating physician, treatment facility, or district student assistance counselor using the criteria for substance use disorder or dependency as defined by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Under current law, a "recovery high school alternative education program" means an alternative education program that serves students diagnosed with substance use disorder or dependency as defined by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and that provides a comprehensive four-year high school education in an alternative public school setting and a structured plan of recovery that is aligned with the national framework of evidence-based practices for recovery high schools.

AI Summary

This bill requires various health insurance carriers, including hospital and medical service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and plans like the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to provide coverage for students enrolled in a recovery high school alternative education program. This coverage is mandated if a qualified professional, such as a certified alcohol and drug counselor, treating physician, or district student assistance counselor, determines that placement in such a program is clinically appropriate based on the criteria for substance use disorder or dependency outlined in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). A "recovery high school alternative education program" is defined as a program serving students with substance use disorders, offering a four-year high school education in an alternative public school setting, and providing a structured recovery plan aligned with evidence-based practices.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (on 01/13/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...