Permits payment of only one co-payment or deductible for follow-up care or treatment after surgery or illness under certain health benefits plans.

This New Jersey bill limits patient payments for follow-up care after surgery or illness to a single co-payment or deductible within an 180-day period. It applies to in-network providers under managed care health plans, requiring that patients pay only one such fee regardless of how many follow-up visits occur during that time. The rule does not apply if a patient fails to follow the plan’s preauthorization requirements for inpatient care. This change aims to reduce repetitive out-of-pocket costs during recovery while maintaining existing insurance plan structures.