This bill mandates that health insurance contracts in New Jersey, including those from hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, individual and group policies, and health benefits plans, must provide coverage for expenses related to the treatment of obesity. Covered treatments include preventive care, nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved anti-obesity medications. The bill ensures that these benefits are provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the respective contracts. Additionally, it requires that contracts purchased by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees Health Benefits Commission include the same coverage for obesity treatment.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for tobacco cessation services, mandating comprehensive benefits for individuals aged 18 and older, or those who are pregnant, without copayments or prior authorization requirements, except in specific circumstances. The act emphasizes the importance of addressing obesity as a public health issue and aims to enhance access to necessary treatments through comprehensive health insurance coverage. The provisions will take effect 90 days after enactment and will apply to policies and contracts issued or renewed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6