Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 439: Restricts certain billing practices for early intervention program services.

This bill prohibits health care providers from billing patients for early intervention services more than one year after the service was provided or attempting to collect on such late bills. It allows providers to seek full reimbursement from insurance plans at any time, but if insurance denies or partially pays a claim, providers cannot bill patients for the remaining balance if the claim was submitted over one year after the service or if more than 18 months passed since the service. The bill directly affects parents of infants and toddlers (birth to age two) receiving early intervention services for developmental delays or disabilities. It targets a practice where providers issued bills years after services, creating financial strain for families already managing complex care needs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents providers from billing patients for late claims after insurance denial, protecting patients from financial burden related to healthcare services.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1375: Establishes Train the Trainer Program for Student Wellbeing in DOE; appropriates $1 million.

S 1375 creates a Train the Trainer Program for Student Wellbeing within New Jersey's Department of Education, appropriating $1 million to fund it. The program trains educators to lead school-wide sessions on student behavioral and mental health, covering trauma-informed approaches, recognizing mental health challenges, restorative practices, and crisis de-escalation. Public school staff - not districts - voluntarily participate in the training, which uses evidence-based methods to improve school climate and student support. The program requires annual evaluations and a three-year effectiveness report to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates $1M for train-the-trainer program on student mental health, using evidence-based methods to enhance educator capacity and school wellbeing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds mental health training for educators in schools, directly supporting student mental health services through evidence-based programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 544: Exempts certain health information contained in 9-1-1 calls from definition of government record.

This bill (S 544) amends New Jersey's open records law to exempt specific health information disclosed in 9-1-1 calls from being classified as a "government record." It directly protects individuals who share health details (like medical conditions, treatments, or insurance) during emergency calls by removing these elements from the definition of public records. The key provision ensures that transcripts or recordings of 9-1-1 calls containing health information cannot be accessed under the Open Public Records Act. This change applies only to health-related content in emergency calls, not to other 9-1-1 call details. The bill is currently pending in the Senate committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts health details in 9-1-1 calls from public records, protecting patient privacy rights in healthcare as per bill's intent.95% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 350: Prohibits substance use disorder treatment providers from using deceptive marketing practices.

This bill (S 350) prohibits substance use disorder treatment providers - including licensed facilities and sober living homes - from using deceptive marketing practices. It requires all advertising materials to clearly state service types, locations, and provider names in plain language, banning false claims about insurance network status, locations, websites, or false relationships with other providers. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per offense, triple damages for affected individuals, or license suspension by the Department of Health. The law directly affects treatment providers and patients seeking care, aiming to ensure transparent information for informed decisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits deceptive marketing by substance use treatment providers, ensuring transparent advertising to protect patient rights and informed choices in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 404: Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for hospitalizations resulting from coronavirus disease 2019 without imposing cost-sharing requirements.

This bill requires all health insurance carriers in New Jersey (including major health plans and state programs) to cover hospitalization costs for coronavirus (COVID-19) without any cost-sharing. It directly affects individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 by eliminating deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for these expenses. The key provision mandates that insurers cover all related hospitalization costs for eligible patients as defined in the bill. This applies immediately to all health plans issued or purchased on or after the effective date. The policy change removes financial barriers for COVID-19 hospital care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 hospitalizations, expanding patient access to covered care without deductibles or copays.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2998: Clarifies coverage requirements for health insurers of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs.

This New Jersey bill (S 2998) requires health insurers to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and related services without cost-sharing. It specifically mandates no deductibles, copays, or prior authorization for over-the-counter contraceptives at the point of sale, while also covering prescription options and related services like counseling and device insertion. The law applies to all hospital and medical service corporations offering health insurance in New Jersey, directly affecting subscribers who use contraception. Insurers must cover these services at the same level as other preventive care, with no medical necessity review needed for over-the-counter products.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no cost-sharing for FDA-approved contraceptives, expanding access to essential health services without financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2264: Provides for voluntary contributions for taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support reproductive health care services.

S 2264 establishes the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" within the state Treasury. Taxpayers can voluntarily add a contribution to their New Jersey gross income tax return to support this fund, with net contributions (after administrative costs) deposited into it. The Legislature would annually allocate all funds in the account equally to the three largest Medicaid reproductive health care providers in the state, requiring them to use the money to provide services (including pregnancy-related care and pregnancy termination) to low-income individuals who cannot afford them. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" broadly to cover medical, surgical, counseling, and referral services related to the human reproductive system. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Health Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesVoluntary tax contributions fund reproductive health care services via state Treasury, directing tax revenue to public health programs.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates fund to allocate tax contributions to reproductive health care providers, directly funding healthcare services per bill's purpose and allocation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Medicaid Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 395: Requires federal funding to be made available to Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to support Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse if needed to offset unanticipated decrease in dedicated revenues.

S 395 ensures funding for New Jersey's Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse if state funds fall short during fiscal years 2022-2023. It requires the Governor to use federal pandemic relief funds (like CARES Act or American Rescue Plan money) to cover gaps when dedicated state revenues - collected from criminal surcharges and alcohol taxes - prove insufficient. The Alliance uses these funds to support community coalitions that run school programs, parent education, student intervention, and public awareness campaigns against substance abuse. This bill applies only to 2022-2023 and expires June 30, 2023.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs federal funds to support school programs, parent education, and student intervention via Alliance, enhancing educational access and support within schools.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds substance abuse prevention programs using federal relief, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1228: Requires public schools to develop policy for administration of nasal seizure rescue medication and use of manual vagas nerve stimulators for students with seizure disorder on emergent basis.

This New Jersey bill (S 1228) requires public schools to create emergency policies for students with seizure disorders. It mandates schools to train at least two non-nurse staff members (in addition to the school nurse) to administer nasal seizure rescue medication and use a manual vagus nerve stimulator during emergencies, with parental consent and written documentation. Schools must also develop individualized emergency plans in collaboration with parents and healthcare providers, and ensure students receive hospital evaluation after treatment. The bill protects school staff from liability for good-faith actions under these protocols, provided they follow training and consent requirements. The bill was introduced to the Senate Education Committee in January 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates school health protocols for students with seizure disorders, enhancing student safety and access to care in educational settings95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates school emergency protocols for seizure treatment, improving access to medical care for students with seizure disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Health Healthcare Workforce Hospitals

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passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2551: Allows law enforcement agencies to distribute epinephrine to officers; requires training.

This bill, "Anthony Maruca’s Law," requires New Jersey law enforcement officers who have access to epinephrine auto-injectors to complete approved training on emergency administration. It allows police departments to provide these devices to officers for use during official duties, storing them in vehicles or medical kits per health department guidelines. The law directly affects officers employed by police departments and mandates certification of training completion for those using the devices. Key provisions include the training requirement and authorization for departments to maintain the injectors, with no new funding or cost mandates specified.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables law enforcement to administer epinephrine during emergencies, improving acute medical response access for allergic reactions.85% confidence

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