New Jersey Enacts Insurance Mandate For Addiction Treatment

On February 15, 2016, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation, Senate Bill 3, to require health insurers to cover addiction disorder treatment for up to 180 days without prior authorization. The provisions affect commercial health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program. The provisions do not apply to the state Medicaid program.

Specifically, the legislation requires insurers to provide unlimited benefits for inpatient and outpatient treatment of addiction disorders at in-network facilities. Benefits for the first 180 days per year, inpatient and outpatient addiction disorder treatment will be provided when determined medically . . .