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. Importantly, the bill specifies that coverage will not extend to family members or friends serving as interpreters unless certain conditions are met, such as the interpreter being qualified and the individual consenting to their assistance. Additionally, in cases of suspected domestic violence or child abuse, family members are prohibited from serving as interpreters, and qualified interpreters must be provided instead.

The bill establishes definitions for key terms such as "deaf," "hard of hearing," "qualified sign language interpreter," and "video remote interpreting services" to ensure clarity. It also sets a minimum reimbursement rate for interpreter services at $42.53 per hour for SHBP and SEHBP enrollees, and $42.40 per hour for NJ FamilyCare participants. The benefits mandated by this legislation will be provided on par with any other medical condition under the respective insurance contracts. The intent of the bill is to codify existing federal requirements to ensure equal access to healthcare for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.