Bill

Bill > A1469


NJ A1469

NJ A1469
Requires health benefits coverage for adolescent depression screenings.*


summary

Introduced
01/27/2016
In Committee
06/12/2017
Crossed Over
06/08/2017
Passed
Dead
01/08/2018

Introduced Session

2016-2017 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires insurance coverage for expenses incurred in screening patients who are under 18 years of age for depression, including, but not limited to, a depression screening performed by a pediatrician using a nationally-recognized screening tool. The bill would apply to hospital, medical, and health service corporations; commercial individual, small employer, and larger group insurers; health maintenance organizations; and the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. Depression is associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety and can affect a teen's personal, school, work, social, and family life, leading to social isolation and other problems. Early diagnosis is essential to the effective treatment of depression in young people.

AI Summary

This bill requires insurance coverage for expenses incurred in screening adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 for major depressive disorder, as long as such screening continues to receive a rating of "A" or "B" from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The bill applies to hospital, medical, and health service corporations; commercial individual, small employer, and larger group insurers; health maintenance organizations; and the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. The bill also prohibits these insurers from imposing any cost-sharing, such as copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, on covered persons receiving these services.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 06/12/2017)

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