This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to maintain an emergency stockpile of insulin, specifically including the ten most commonly used brands, to assist residents whose insulin supplies are depleted before their next prescription can be filled. The DOH is tasked with assessing the necessary quantity of insulin based on factors such as anticipated demand surges and the current state of the insulin supply chain. Additionally, the bill allows pharmacists to dispense a 30-day emergency supply of insulin under certain conditions and requires the DOH to develop a program to provide this emergency insulin at cost to individuals, with provisions for reimbursement from health plans.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that health insurance contracts cover one emergency 30-day supply of insulin dispensed under the new provisions. It also updates requirements for diabetes self-management education, ensuring that individuals receive necessary training for managing their condition. The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance is responsible for periodically updating a list of medically necessary diabetes-related supplies. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to insulin and support diabetes management in New Jersey, while also establishing a framework for monitoring and reporting emergency insulin supplies to prevent misuse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48-6, 17:48A-7, 17:48E-35.11, 17B:26-2.1, 17B:27-46.1, 26:2J-4.11, 30:4D-6, 45:1-45, 45:1-46, 52:14-17.29, 52:14-17.46.6