This bill amends New Jersey law to lower the copayment and coinsurance for prescription asthma inhalers, establishing a new maximum of $35 for a 30-day supply, down from the previous limit of $50. The legislation applies to a variety of health benefit plans, including individual and group hospital service corporation contracts, medical service corporation contracts, and health maintenance organizations. It also ensures that coverage for these inhalers is not subject to any deductible, thereby improving access to necessary asthma medications for patients.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that these provisions will apply to high-deductible health plans as permitted by federal law, while allowing exceptions for medical savings accounts and health savings accounts. It permits health insurers and service corporations to further reduce cost-sharing requirements if they choose. The act will 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 next calendar year, with anticipatory actions allowed by the Commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance for implementation.

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