N.J. bill seeks to fill coverage gap in mental health claims

A bill was proposed in the New Jersey state Senate on Monday that would establish a COVID-19 Frontline Mental Health Claims Program for state residents who worked as first responders, health care workers or other frontline positions during the coronavirus pandemic.

S.B. 1745 directs the assistant commissioner of the state's division of mental health and addiction services to develop and implement a system through which an individual, or a health care provider on behalf of an individual, can submit a claim for reimbursement of a mental health service or services.

The goal of this program, the bill states, is to ensure frontline workers have access to mental health services regardless of existing coverage through a private health insurance plan or a workers compensation claim.

The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, where it is pending.