Bill > A1207

Introduced Session

This bill requires health insurance coverage of prescribed anti-obesity medication. Specifically, under the bill, health insurance carriers (including insurance companies, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, and any entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program) will be required to cover prescribed anti-obesity medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is the intent of the sponsor of this bill that access to obesity medication be expanded and that greater attention be placed on obesity as a disease. Since 2013, the American Medical Association has recognized obesity as a disease requiring treatment and prevention efforts. According to the World Health Organization, obesity leads to a range of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, various forms of cancer, and various mental health issues. It is estimated that almost one-third of American adults and 17% of American children ages two to 19 are obese. Globally, more than one billion people are considered to be obese, with an additional 167 million people expected to become obese by 2025. By expanding access to FDA-approved anti-obesity medication such as "Wegovy," more individuals will be able to affordably access this effective treatment.

AI Summary

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Carol Murphy (D)*,  Shanique Speight (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document