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Bill > A4335


NJ A4335

NJ A4335
Requires health insurance carriers and Medicaid to provide coverage for planned home childbirth.


summary

Introduced
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires health insurance carriers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and insurance companies), the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs to provide coverage for expenses incurred in planned home childbirth. The required coverage is to include, but not be limited to, costs associated with services provided by a health care provider, services provided by a doula, and equipment and medical supplies. Under the bill, a "health care provider" is defined to mean an individual or entity which, acting within the scope of its licensure or certification, provides health care services. The term includes a family practice physician, obstetrician, advanced practice nurse, registered professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified professional midwife, certified nurse midwife, or certified midwife.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that various health insurance providers, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, individual and group health insurance policies, and health maintenance organizations, must cover the costs associated with planned home childbirth. This coverage extends to services provided by a "health care provider," which is defined broadly to include physicians, nurses, and certified midwives, as well as services from a doula, and necessary equipment and medical supplies. Furthermore, the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs (which is a program combining Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program) are also required to provide this coverage. The bill aims to ensure that individuals choosing planned home births have their medical expenses covered by their insurance to the same extent as other healthcare services.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (on 02/19/2026)

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