The bill amends existing laws related to health benefits coverage for newborns by extending the enrollment period from 60 days to 90 days after birth. This change applies to both family and non-family contracts, ensuring that coverage for newly-born children, which includes services for injury, sickness, and treatment for congenital defects, is maintained if the necessary application and payment are submitted within the new timeframe. Additionally, the bill clarifies that group health insurance policies must provide coverage for dependents who are incapable of self-sustaining employment due to intellectual disabilities or physical handicaps, allowing them to continue receiving coverage beyond the specified termination age, provided proof of incapacity is submitted within 31 days of reaching that age.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that all group health insurance policies must include benefits for newly-born children from the moment of birth, covering necessary care for congenital defects and birth abnormalities. It also stipulates that if a premium is required for this coverage, parents must notify the insurer and pay the premium within the 90-day period to maintain coverage. The legislation aims to enhance access to health benefits for newborns and dependents, providing new parents with more time to secure health coverage for their children and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary protection under health insurance policies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48-6, 17:48-6.1, 17:48A-5, 17:48A-7.1, 17:48E-20, 17:48E-28