The bill amends New Jersey's health insurance laws to lower the copayment and coinsurance for prescription asthma inhalers, establishing a new maximum of $35 for a 30-day supply, reduced from the previous limit of $50. This change applies to a variety of health benefit plans, including individual and group hospital service corporation contracts, medical service corporation contracts, and health maintenance organizations. Importantly, the bill ensures that coverage for these inhalers is not subject to any deductible, thereby enhancing access to necessary asthma medications for individuals covered under these plans.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that these provisions will apply to high-deductible health plans as permitted by federal law and allows for the possibility of further reducing cost-sharing requirements. It mandates that the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees Health Benefits Commission ensure compliance with the new coverage standard, while also granting the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission the authority to implement strategies to promote the use of lower-cost generic alternatives. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the seventh month following its enactment and will apply to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1 of the following calendar year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48-6, 17:48A-7, 17:48E-35.49, 17B:26-2.1, 17B:27-46.1, 26:2J-4.50, 17B:27A-7.33, 17B:27A-19.37, 52:14-17.29, 52:14-17.46.6