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Bill > A1891


NJ A1891

NJ A1891
Requires SHBP, SEHBP, Medicaid, and NJ FamilyCare to cover anti-obesity medications.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), the State Medicaid program, and the NJ FamilyCare program to provide coverage for anti-obesity medications for subscribers or enrollees. It is the intent of the sponsor of the bill to require these State-supported health benefits programs to cover anti-obesity medications in order to reduce the prevalence of, and medical costs associated with, obesity-related health problems. Health professionals may prescribe anti-obesity medications for use by patients who have obesity-related health problems that have not been mitigated by diet and exercise alone. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies show that anti-obesity drugs are most effective when taken as part of a lifestyle program that also includes physical activity and healthy eating habits. While weight loss among patients taking anti-obesity medications varies by medication and the individual, the average weight loss among patients taking such medications ranges from five to ten percent of the patient's starting weight. According to the NIH, ten Food and Drug Administration approved anti-obesity medications are currently available for adult use in the United States. Obesity is a chronic disease that affected 28.6 percent of New Jersey residents in 2022, according to the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data (NJSHAD). The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines obesity as being a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Individuals with obesity are at increased risk for certain diseases and health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke.

AI Summary

This bill requires the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), the State Medicaid program, and the NJ FamilyCare program to provide coverage for anti-obesity medications for subscribers or enrollees who have a diagnosis of obesity or an obesity-related medical condition and are prescribed such medications by a licensed healthcare provider. Anti-obesity medications are defined as prescription drugs approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in individuals who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition. The bill aims to reduce the prevalence and medical costs associated with obesity-related health problems by making these medications more accessible through state-supported health benefits programs.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

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

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