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Bill > A4438
NJ A4438
NJ A4438Requires health insurance coverage of prenatal genetic test during first trimester of pregnancy.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires health insurance coverage of a prenatal genetic test during the first trimester of pregnancy. Under the bill, health insurance carriers (including insurance companies, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, and any entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program) will be required to cover a prenatal genetic test during the first trimester of a pregnancy. The methods of testing for which benefits will be provided will include, but not be limited to, a carrier screening, a nuchal translucency screening, and a chorionic villus sampling. For the purpose of this bill, "carrier screening" means a blood sample or tissue sample swabbed from inside the cheek of an individual to determine whether the individual carries a gene for certain inherited disorders.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that health insurance providers, including various types of insurance companies, hospital and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and entities administering benefits for state and school employees, must cover prenatal genetic tests performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. These covered tests include carrier screening, which identifies if an individual carries genes for inherited disorders through blood or cheek swab samples, as well as nuchal translucency screening and chorionic villus sampling. The coverage must be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition and applies to policies and contracts issued or renewed after the bill's effective date, which is 90 days after enactment.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/A4438 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4438_I1.HTM |
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