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Bill

MD

Bill

A 4511

Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for enrollment of student in recovery high school alternative education program.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill requires health insurers to cover recovery high school enrollment costs for students with substance use disorders in recovery.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
#education #healthinsur
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Bill Summary · A 4511

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4511 mandates that health insurance carriers operating in New Jersey must cover the costs associated with enrollment in recovery high school alternative education programs for students. Recovery high schools are specialized educational institutions designed for students with substance use disorders who are in recovery. This requirement would essentially classify recovery high school enrollment as a covered health benefit under insurance plans.

Why is this important

Substance use disorders among adolescents create significant barriers to educational attainment and long-term recovery. By requiring insurance coverage for recovery high school programs, the bill removes a major financial obstacle for families seeking specialized educational support for students in recovery, potentially improving both academic outcomes and sustained sobriety rates. This policy recognizes recovery high schools as a legitimate health intervention rather than purely an educational expense.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost impact: Carriers may argue this expands covered services without actuarial justification, potentially increasing premium costs for all policyholders to cover a specialized program benefiting a limited population
  • Definition and oversight gaps: The bill may lack clear definitions of what constitutes a qualifying "recovery high school alternative education program," creating ambiguity about which programs must be covered and who determines eligibility
  • Duplication with education funding: Questions may arise about whether educational costs should be borne by schools/school districts rather than health insurers, and whether this creates overlapping payment responsibilities

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

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