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 received consent from the individual needing interpretation, with additional restrictions in cases of suspected domestic violence or child abuse.

Furthermore, the bill establishes definitions for key terms such as "deaf," "hard of hearing," "qualified sign language interpreter," and "video remote interpreting services," ensuring clarity in the services covered. It sets a minimum reimbursement rate for interpreter services at $42.53 per hour for SHBP and SEHBP, and $42.40 per hour for NJ FamilyCare. The benefits provided under this legislation must be equivalent to those for any other medical condition under the respective insurance contracts, aiming to enhance accessibility and communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in healthcare settings.