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 mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It amends existing laws to ensure that such coverage is provided under the same terms and conditions as other medical benefits, contingent upon a clinical determination of appropriateness by qualified professionals, including certified alcohol and drug counselors and treating physicians. The bill aligns with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, ensuring that mental health and substance use disorder benefits are not subject to more restrictive limitations than those applied to other medical benefits.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that ensure coverage for services delivered through the psychiatric Collaborative Care Model, which integrates behavioral health services with primary care. The new legal language clarifies the requirements for coverage related to recovery high school programs while retaining 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