N.J. bills would create mental health program for frontline workers
Reprints
New Jersey lawmakers introduced legislation to create mental health programs for workers on the frontline of caring for individuals with COVID-19.
Republican Sen. Anthony Bucco introduced S.B. 2551 Monday, which would require the state Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a mental health program for first responders, health care workers and others in frontline positions during the pandemic. The program would be available to those workers regardless of coverage through private health insurance or workers compensation and allow them or their health care providers to submit claims for mental health services reimbursement.
Reimbursement would be available to those workers who received mental health treatment between March 9, 2020, and one year after the end of the declared state of emergency.
Under the bill, the program would be paid for by the state’s general fund.
If signed into law, the legislation would take effect on the first day of the third month after it was enacted.
A companion bill, A.B. 4257, was introduced by Republican Rep. Aura Dunn on Monday in the New Jersey House of Representatives.
More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.
