All Roll Calls
Yes: 99 • No: 5
New JerseyA5052220th Legislature (2024-2025)HouseWALLET
Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children.
Sponsored By: Rosaura Bagolie (Democratic), Linda S. Carter (Democratic), Andrea Katz (Democratic), Nicholas P. Scutari (Democratic), Joseph F. Vitale (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Children gain behavioral health coverage through Medicaid
Beginning April 20, 2026, NJ FamilyCare and its managed care plans must cover children's behavioral health screening, prevention, and treatment. They must accept and pay claims using an at-risk diagnosis for children age 18 or younger. This allows care without a formal mental health diagnosis, based on risks such as family circumstances or life challenges. Services can include individual, group, and family therapy. The state must seek federal plan changes or waivers to implement coverage and secure federal Medicaid funding. The Human Services Department can update contracts and guidance and issue rules effective upon filing for up to 12 months. After that, normal rulemaking procedures apply.
More behavioral health coverage for children
Beginning April 20, 2026, New Jersey private health plans must cover children's behavioral health screening, prevention, and treatment. This applies to policies delivered, signed, issued, or renewed on or after that date. Plans must accept and pay claims using an at-risk diagnosis for children age 18 or younger. This identifies risks, such as family circumstances or life challenges, without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis. Providers can use alternative billing codes, including codes for social factors affecting health. Covered care can include early screening and individual, group, or family therapy before a formal diagnosis.
Public employees gain children's behavioral health coverage
Beginning April 20, 2026, New Jersey's state and school employee health benefits commissions must buy contracts covering children's behavioral health care. This applies to hospital and medical expense contracts purchased on or after that date. Coverage includes screening, prevention, and treatment, to the same extent as other covered services. Contracts must accept and pay claims using an at-risk diagnosis for children age 18 or younger. This allows care without a formal mental health diagnosis, based on risks such as family circumstances or life challenges. Services can include individual, group, and family therapy.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Rosaura Bagolie
Democratic • House
Linda S. Carter
Democratic • House
Andrea Katz
Democratic • House
Nicholas P. Scutari
Democratic • Senate
Joseph F. Vitale
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
David Bailey Jr.
Democratic • House
Renee C. Burgess
Democratic • Senate
Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.
Democratic • Senate
Margie Donlon M.D.
Democratic • House
Linda R. Greenstein
Democratic • Senate
Shama A. Haider
Democratic • House
Tennille R. McCoy
Democratic • House
Angela V. McKnight
Democratic • Senate
Luanne M. Peterpaul Esq.
Democratic • House
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
Democratic • House
M. Teresa Ruiz
Democratic • Senate
Alexander Schnall
Democratic • House
Sterley S. Stanley
Democratic • House
Lisa Swain
Democratic • House
Britnee N. Timberlake
Democratic • Senate
Andrew Zwicker
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 1/12/2026
3RDG FINAL PASSAGE
Yes: 39 • No: 0
House vote • 12/22/2025
3RDG FINAL PASSAGE
Yes: 60 • No: 5 • Other: 9
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.369.
1/20/2026GovernorPassed Senate, PBH — (39-0)
1/12/2026SenateSubstituted for S4018
1/12/2026SenateReceived in Senate, SWR, 2nd Reading in Senate
1/6/2026SenatePassed Assembly — (60-5-9)
12/22/2025HouseReported, 2nd Reading in Assembly
12/18/2025HouseReported, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
12/11/2025HouseIntroduced, 1st Reading in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
12/9/2024House
Bill Text
Version PL2025
8/7/2026
Version AL2025
7/7/2026
As Introduced
1/13/2026
12/19/25; as introduced
12/19/2025
Assembly Appropriations Substitute (12/18/25)
12/19/2025
Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Substitute (12/11/25)
12/12/2025
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