Bill > A4838

This bill requires insurance carriers and Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare programs to provide prescription drug coverage for serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or utilization management requirements, such as step therapy protocols. Specifically, the bill applies to prescription drugs prescribed by psychiatrists or obstetricians/gynecologists during the postpartum period for patients 18 years and older. The bill defines serious mental illnesses to include conditions like bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. If a patient has been stable on a specific medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or obstetrician/gynecologist for six months, another prescriber can continue prescribing that medication without additional administrative hurdles. The legislation aims to reduce barriers to accessing mental health treatments by eliminating prior authorization and step therapy requirements, which can delay or prevent patients from receiving necessary medications. The bill will take effect 180 days after enactment and will apply to insurance policies issued or renewed after that date, ensuring broader and more streamlined access to mental health prescription medications.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4838