Healthcare

S 1554, "Breann's Law," requires health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and NJ FamilyCare to cover out-of-network medical services for children diagnosed with catastrophic illnesses. It applies when an in-network provider refers the child for care, and coverage must match what's provided for in-network services under the same plan. The bill defines "catastrophic illness" as life-threatening or causing serious disability, and covers dependent children under specific insurance contracts. This policy change directly affects families with children facing severe medical conditions and the insurers managing their health coverage.

S 299 establishes New Jersey's Blue Band Program to reduce preventable maternal deaths linked to preeclampsia (a pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure). The bill requires the Department of Health's Office of Maternal and Child Health to implement a program where hospitals and federally qualified health centers provide blue wristbands to pregnant or postpartum individuals identified as at risk for preeclampsia. These visible wristbands alert all healthcare providers across appointments and care settings about the patient's condition, improving coordination during critical postpartum periods. The program includes developing educational materials, tracking participation through annual reports, and aims to reduce maternal mortality by enhancing early detection and follow-up care. It directly affects at-risk pregnant and postpartum individuals in New Jersey, with hospitals voluntarily participating in the initiative.

This bill requires health insurance carriers in New Jersey to automatically approve physician applications for provider networks if the physician holds a valid, unrevoked medical license from the state Board of Medical Examiners. It applies to both new applications and renewals, streamlining the process for licensed physicians seeking to join insurance networks. Carriers may request additional non-duplicative information but cannot deny applications based solely on license status. The law affects physicians seeking network participation and insurers managing provider credentialing.

New Jersey bill S 2355 expands eligibility for Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) payments to victims of motor vehicle crashes resulting in death or requiring ambulance removal from the scene. It adds these crashes to the list of qualifying incidents under the existing "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act," allowing victims to access compensation for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs. The bill also establishes a "Traffic Crash Victim’s Bill of Rights," granting victims free access to crash reports and evidence, notification of court proceedings, employer leave for related hearings, protection from intimidation by the other driver, and clear information about their rights and compensation options. These changes apply directly to crash victims and their families, not to the drivers involved in the accidents. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee after its January 2026 introduction.