Bill > A1841

This bill expands and updates requirements for health insurance carriers in New Jersey concerning prostate cancer screening, mandating that all health insurance policies provide comprehensive prostate cancer screening coverage without any out-of-pocket costs to patients. The bill requires that prostate cancer screening be performed in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines, which are defined as evidence-based guidelines developed by independent medical organizations using transparent methodologies. The screening now includes not just traditional methods like digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen tests, but also subsequent follow-up testing such as urinary analysis, serum biomarkers, and medical imaging like magnetic resonance imaging. The legislation applies to various types of health insurance plans, including group health plans, individual plans, health maintenance organizations, and state employee health benefit plans. Importantly, the bill removes previous restrictions that limited screening to men over 50 or those with specific risk factors, and it mandates that these screenings be provided without any deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing requirements, making preventive prostate cancer screening more accessible to all insured individuals.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A1841