The bill aims to enhance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity under health plans in Washington State. It mandates that, starting January 1, 2026, health carriers must provide coverage for various obesity treatments, including intensive health behavioral and lifestyle treatment, metabolic and bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved obesity medications. The bill specifies that coverage criteria for these medications cannot be more restrictive than FDA-approved indications and that the treatment for obesity should not be treated differently from other medical conditions regarding deductibles and copayments. Additionally, it allows health carriers to apply utilization management to determine medical necessity, provided that the process aligns with how other conditions are assessed.

Furthermore, the bill requires the state authority to apply for federal authorization by November 1, 2025, to secure matching federal funds for these services. Upon receiving federal approval, managed care organizations will also be required to provide similar coverage for obesity treatment. The definitions for intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment, FDA-approved obesity medication, and metabolic and bariatric surgery are included to clarify the scope of the coverage mandated by the bill. The bill also reenacts and amends existing laws to incorporate these new provisions.