New Jersey Focuses On Teenage Mental Health In May

\NEW JERSEY, NJ - To kick off National Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that will cover expenses for adolescent mental health screenings.

A3548 will require private insurers, the State Health Benefit Plan, and School Employees' Health Benefits Program to put into place policies and procedures to ensure coverage of expenses in mental health screening of a major depressive disorder for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18.

“The effects and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has put the mental health of our adolescents at risk, and it’s critical now more than ever to keep the well-being of our youth at the forefront of our post COVID-19 recovery,” Murphy said. “With today’s bill signing, we are prioritizing the mental health of our children and ensuring that they receive the support they need during this time and beyond.”

By signing this bill, the said he is taking steps to ensure that this coverage continues should the ACA ever be repealed or found invalid.

“Early diagnosis of depression and other mental health disorders is critical, as that is the primary way we can ensure our adolescents are receiving the help they may urgently need,” Senator Joseph Vitale said. “School, work, family life, and personal life tend to be among the main contributors to a person’s stress and anxiety levels, and yet, many adolescents are currently unable to receive the treatment they need. This law will ensure that children and teenagers are able to receive timely and proper treatment for depression or other mental health issues.”

Under this new law, health benefits coverage will be provided to the same extent as for any other condition within the contract or policy.

“Major Depression Disorder affects eight percent of adolescents in the United States. Early intervention and diagnosis is key for proper treatment,” Senator Nellie Pou noted. “Due to financial hardships, mental health screenings may not be obtainable for every family that needs it. Ensuring that the proper mental health screenings and treatments are accessible to all people without risk of financial barriers is essential.”

The insurer may not enforce on individuals who are covered that receive these services any form of cost sharing, including copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance. Currently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) already requires coverage for adolescent depression screenings.

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