The New Jersey Legislature passed Bill A5052, which requires state-regulated health insurers, including NJ FamilyCare, to provide coverage for preventive behavioral health services for children on Jan. 12, 2026. Then-Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law on Jan. 20, 2026.
This Bill requires insurers to pay for behavioral health services when providers identify an “at-risk” diagnosis, which is made after considering factors affecting behavioral health and child development (such as family circumstance or life challenges).
A5052 promotes preventive care and does not require a formal mental health diagnosis, meaning providers can bill for an “at-risk” diagnosis and it will be covered by NJ FamilyCare for children ages 18 and younger.
The passing of A5052 directly benefits a key Turrell initiative, HealthySteps, and its expansion in New Jersey.
HealthySteps is an evidence-based pediatric care program that integrates a child-development professional (HealthySteps Specialist) into the pediatric office to provide behavioral health promotion and prevention services for children ages 0-3 during and in between well-child visits.
HealthySteps Services include:
- Screenings for age-appropriate child development, behavioral health, and social-emotional health.
- Assessment of family health including caregiver depression screening, health-related social need, and identifying other risk factors.
- Educational resources for early development, positive parenting, and child behavior consultation with a HealthySteps Specialist.
- Care coordination and systems navigation to other community-based organizations and specialists.
- Team-based well-child visits that include a HealthySteps Specialist.
A5052 creates reimbursement opportunities for HealthySteps Specialists, supporting expansion of the HealthySteps model into pediatric practices across the state, expanding its impact on children and families.
This builds on an August 2025 win, when NJ FamilyCare introduced an enhance payment model for HealthySteps established through the state budget, to support pediatric practices implementing HealthySteps.
The Turrell Fund is proud to support HealthySteps’ mission of providing children and families with access to early developmental and behavioral health supports.
