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Bill

MD

Bill

A 4929

Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill mandates health insurers cover sign language interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing patients to ensure equitable healthcare access and communication.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4929

Legislative bill overview

Assembly Bill A 4929 mandates that health insurers in New Jersey—including the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP), School Employees' Health Benefits Plan (SEHBP), and NJ FamilyCare—must cover sign language interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing beneficiaries. The bill ensures that individuals with hearing disabilities have access to professional interpretation during medical appointments and healthcare interactions covered by these insurance plans.

Why is this important

Access to qualified sign language interpreters is essential for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to receive equitable healthcare and understand complex medical information. Without insurance coverage, these services can be prohibitively expensive, creating barriers to care and potentially resulting in misdiagnosis or treatment complications. This bill addresses healthcare equity by removing financial obstacles to communication accessibility for a vulnerable population.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Insurers and employers may argue about premium increases and administrative costs associated with covering interpreter services, potentially affecting all policyholders
  • Service provider availability: New Jersey may lack sufficient qualified sign language interpreters, creating implementation delays or service gaps in certain regions
  • Definition and scope: Ambiguity over which healthcare settings qualify for coverage, what constitutes a "covered individual," and whether video remote interpreting counts as equivalent to in-person services could lead to disputes and inconsistent application

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

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