This bill mandates that health insurance carriers in New Jersey provide coverage for the enrollment of students in recovery high school alternative education programs, specifically for those diagnosed with substance use disorders. It amends existing laws to ensure that coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders is provided under the same terms and conditions as other medical benefits. The bill requires that such coverage be deemed clinically appropriate by qualified professionals, including certified alcohol and drug counselors and treating physicians, based on criteria from the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the commitment to equitable treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in health insurance policies by aligning with federal mental health parity laws. It includes provisions for coverage of services delivered through the psychiatric Collaborative Care Model, which integrates behavioral health services with primary care. The new legal language inserted into the law clarifies the requirements for coverage related to recovery high school programs, while maintaining existing provisions regarding mental health and substance use disorder benefits. The act is set to take effect 60 days after enactment and will apply to all relevant contracts and policies issued or renewed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48-6, 17:48A-7, 17:48E-35.20, 17B:26-2.1, 17B:27-46.1, 17B:27A-7.5, 17B:27A-19.7, 26:2J-4.20, 52:14-17.29