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NJDOBI Mandates Comprehensive Abortion Coverage in All Regulated Health Insurance Markets
As part of the Murphy Administration's commitment to reproductive rights, new regulations expand comprehensive abortion coverage to the fully insured large employer market in New Jersey.
Morristown, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (NJDOBI) announced today that comprehensive abortion coverage is now a requirement for all health benefits plans regulated by the department. Effective September 18, this requirement will extend to the fully insured large employer health insurance market upon plan issuance or renewal.
Who, What, and Why?
Governor Phil Murphy underscored the significance of the new regulations, stating, “Implementation of this requirement across department-regulated plans will provide access to abortion services without exceptions limiting coverage—reaffirming a woman’s ability to make medical decisions about her reproductive health.”
These changes are a direct outcome of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, enacted to protect and ensure reproductive rights for residents in the state.
When and Where?
The rule is effective immediately and applies to all health benefits plans regulated by NJDOBI, which includes the individual, small employer, and fully insured large employer markets. The latter will be subject to the new rule upon plan issuance or renewal starting today, September 18.
How Does It Work?
Health insurance carriers regulated by the department are now mandated to provide abortion coverage without any exceptions that limit coverage. These new regulations build on the early adoption of similar requirements that took effect on January 1, 2023, in the individual and small employer markets.
Supporting Studies and Legislation
The department was tasked with performing a study on the impact of insurance coverage on the availability of reproductive health care services as part of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act.
Acting Commissioner Justin Zimmerman remarked, “Insurance coverage for reproductive health services is essential to expanding access to comprehensive care.”
The study revealed that requiring insurance coverage for abortion services will not materially increase premiums and will be consistent with actions in other states.
Local Impact and Additional Resources
For residents in Morristown, Morris County, and across New Jersey, these regulations signify a significant advance in reproductive health care accessibility. To learn more about the study that led to these regulations, it can be found at NJDOBI's website.
