This bill requires health insurers, including the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and NJ FamilyCare, to provide coverage for sign language interpreter services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during healthcare encounters. The coverage must include both in-person and video remote interpreter services when in-person interpreters are unavailable. The bill specifies that coverage will not extend to family members or friends serving as interpreters unless they are qualified and have the consent of the individual needing interpretation, with additional restrictions in cases of suspected domestic violence or child abuse. The bill also establishes a minimum reimbursement rate of $42.40 per hour for NJ FamilyCare enrollees and $42.53 for those covered under SHBP or SEHBP.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as "deaf," "hard of hearing," "qualified sign language interpreter," and "video remote interpreting services" to ensure clarity in the services covered. It emphasizes that the benefits provided under this act must be equivalent to those for any other medical condition under the respective insurance contracts. The implementation of these provisions is contingent upon federal approval of necessary waivers or amendments related to Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, aiming to codify existing federal requirements to promote equitable healthcare access for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.