WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 1356

Requires health benefits plans and carriers to meet certain requirements concerning network adequacy and mental health care.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill requires health insurers to maintain adequate networks and expand mental health service access through new care standards and provider availability requirements.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1356

Legislative bill overview

Assembly Bill A 1356 establishes network adequacy standards and mental health care requirements for health insurance plans and carriers operating in New Jersey. The bill mandates that insurers maintain sufficient provider networks and ensure adequate mental health service availability to plan members.

Why is this important

Mental health care access has become a critical public health issue, with many patients reporting difficulty finding in-network providers. Network adequacy standards directly affect whether insured individuals can actually access the mental health services their plans cover, impacting treatment outcomes and overall healthcare equity.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition specificity: The bill's effectiveness depends on how precisely "network adequacy" and "certain requirements" are defined—vague standards may be unenforceable or create compliance disputes
  • Cost implications: Requiring broader mental health networks and lower wait times could increase premiums for consumers and operational costs for insurers, potentially reducing plan affordability
  • Provider capacity constraints: New Jersey may lack sufficient mental health professionals to meet new network requirements, making compliance difficult without addressing the underlying provider shortage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.