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 ensures that coverage for newly-born children, which includes services for injury, sickness, and treatment of congenital defects, begins at birth and continues if the necessary application and payment are made within the new timeframe. The bill also clarifies that group health insurance policies must provide coverage for newborns from the moment of birth, even if the policy does not typically cover dependents, as long as the premium is paid within the specified period.

Additionally, the bill addresses coverage for dependents with intellectual disabilities or physical handicaps, stipulating that their coverage will not terminate upon reaching a specified age, provided that proof of incapacity is submitted within 31 days of that age. It also mandates that group health insurance policies allow family members or dependents to continue their coverage for at least 180 days after the death of the insured individual. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance access to health benefits for vulnerable populations and improve the health insurance framework for families in New Jersey.

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