Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This bill requires private health insurance plans, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and the NJ FamilyCare program to cover sign language interpreter services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during medical encounters. It defines "qualified" interpreters as those certified by the New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or an accredited organization, and mandates coverage upon request, with video remote interpretation allowed when in-person services aren't available. The bill specifies that family members or friends can't provide interpretation unless certified and consented to, with additional protections in cases of suspected domestic violence or child abuse. It also establishes minimum reimbursement rates of $42.40 per hour for NJ FamilyCare and $42.53 per hour for SHBP/SEHBP services, though NJ FamilyCare coverage depends on federal approval.