This bill amends existing New Jersey law to expand the requirements for health insurance carriers regarding prostate cancer screening. It mandates that all health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and commercial group health insurers provide coverage for annual prostate cancer screenings without any cost-sharing, such as deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. The definition of prostate cancer screening is broadened to include not only a digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen test but also subsequent follow-up testing as directed by a healthcare provider, which may involve urinary analysis, serum biomarkers, and medical imaging techniques like MRI.

Additionally, the bill extends these coverage requirements to individual health insurance policies and health benefits plans that were previously not mandated to provide such coverage. This includes plans issued under the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, as well as those under the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees Health Benefits Program. The changes aim to ensure that all men, particularly those at higher risk for prostate cancer, have access to necessary screening without financial barriers. The act is set to take effect 90 days after enactment and will apply to all relevant contracts and policies issued or renewed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48E-35.13, 17:48-6, 17:48A-7, 17B:27-46.1, 26:2J-4.13