This bill mandates that health insurance carriers, as well as 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 specifically defines "serious mental illness" to include various psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and schizophrenia, among others.

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

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2S-10.8