This bill mandates that health insurance carriers and the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs provide coverage for prescription drugs prescribed for serious mental illnesses without requiring prior authorization or any form of utilization management, including step therapy protocols. The bill defines "serious mental illness" to encompass various psychiatric conditions as outlined in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and schizophrenia, among others.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that managed care organizations contracted with the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services must comply with these coverage requirements. The legislation aims to enhance access to necessary medications for individuals suffering from serious mental illnesses, thereby promoting better mental health outcomes without the barriers typically associated with insurance coverage. The provisions of this act will take effect 180 days after enactment and will apply to policies issued or renewed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2S-10.8