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Bill

A 4349

Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services; prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers in relation to performance of legally protected health care services.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider and 1 co-sponsor

Requires private insurance, state programs, and Medicaid in NJ to cover abortion and other reproductive health services with no cost-sharing, plus protections for providers and pat

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4349

Overview

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4349 (2026) proposes to require health insurance and Medicaid coverage for reproductive health care services, including abortion, and to prohibit adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers related to legally protected health care activities in the state. The bill emphasizes robust access to reproductive autonomy and seeks to remove financial and administrative barriers.

Main purpose and intent

  • Strengthen access to reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion, pregnancy care, and gender-affirming services, by ensuring comprehensive coverage across private insurance, state employee programs, and Medicaid.
  • Protect individuals and providers from penalties or insurance actions when they deliver or assist with legally protected health care, even if that care is performed in another state where it may be illegal.
  • Affirm New Jersey’s commitment to reproductive rights as a fundamental civil liberty and to remove barriers that could impede timely care.

Key provisions

  • Insurance coverage for abortion:

    • Any hospital or medical expense contract delivered or renewed in New Jersey by a carrier (or approved in New Jersey) after the act’s effective date must cover abortion.
    • No deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or other cost-sharing may be imposed for the abortion coverage. Catastrophic plans are exempt from the no-cost-sharing requirement in some cases.
    • For high-deductible plans, coverage cannot begin until the deductible under the plan is met (consistent with federal minimums for self-only vs. family coverage).
    • No prior authorization requirements or delays for the abortion coverage.
    • Religious employers may request an exclusion from this coverage if it conflicts with their bona fide religious beliefs, with notice obligations; such exclusions cannot apply to care necessary to preserve life or health.

  • State programs and contracts:

    • State Health Benefits Program contracts and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program contracts issued or renewed after the effective date must cover abortions with no cost-sharing.
    • Medicaid (Department of Human Services) must ensure abortion services incur no cost-sharing; the department can issue guidance and modify contracts to implement this immediately (temporary administrative actions allowed for up to 12 months).

  • Reproductive rights and standards (statutory updates):

    • The bill explicitly codifies reproductive autonomy as a fundamental right and prohibits laws or rules that abridge it.
    • Requires health care providers to be authorized to perform reproductive health services, including abortion, within the scope of practice.
    • Repeals certain sections of a prior 2021 act and aligns with enhanced rights protections and electronic billing for abortion services.

  • Adverse actions by malpractice insurers:

    • Prohibits insurance companies from taking adverse actions (including premium increases, loss of coverage, sanctions) against insured individuals for providing or facilitating legally protected health care activities if the patient resides in a state where such activities are illegal.

Who and what is affected

  • Private health insurance carriers, health service/hospital/medical service corporations, HMOs, and entities administering state employee health benefits.
  • New Jersey FamilyCare/Medicaid program beneficiaries and providers.
  • State agencies (Department of Banking and Insurance, Department of Human Services) and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission.
  • Religious employers may obtain exclusions from abortion coverage while preserving life/health care rights.
  • Health care practitioners and patients seeking reproductive health services, including abortion and gender-affirming care.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Sections 1–3 take effect on the first day of the third month after enactment; Sections 4–9 take effect immediately, with some timing specifics for certain provisions (e.g., an amendment to P.L.2021, c.375 takes effect six months after enactment).
  • The bill repeals certain provisions from a 2021 act and adds new regulatory and enforcement mechanisms, including potential immediate administrative actions by the Department of Human Services for Medicaid-related rules.

Note: The bill is introductory (A4349) in the 222nd New Jersey Legislature (introduced February 19, 2026) and lists sponsors Assemblywoman Shanique Speight and Assemblywoman Shama Haider.

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

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