This bill aims to restrict billing practices for services provided under the early intervention services program in New Jersey. Specifically, it prohibits health care providers from issuing bills to patients for these services more than one year after the service date and from attempting to collect on such bills if they are issued after this one-year period. Additionally, while providers can seek reimbursement from a patient's health benefits plan at any time, they are barred from billing the patient for any balance if the claim was submitted more than one year after the service or if it was submitted within one year but more than 18 months have passed since the service was provided.

The intent of this legislation is to alleviate the financial burden on families who may receive unexpected medical bills long after their child has exited the early intervention services program. This program is designed to support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, and the bill seeks to streamline the billing process to prevent administrative complications and affordability issues for parents already facing challenges in caring for children with special needs.