Bill > SB271

This bill amends Pennsylvania's insurance law to require health insurers to provide coverage for anti-obesity treatments, including bariatric surgery and anti-obesity drugs. Specifically, the bill mandates that health insurance policies cover bariatric surgery and related treatments for obesity when prescribed by a physician in accordance with standards set by professional medical associations, with treatments including psychological screening, counseling, behavior modification, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle change support. The coverage is available for individuals at least 18 years old and must be provided with the same level of coverage as other medically necessary surgical procedures. The bill also requires coverage of FDA-approved anti-obesity drugs for patients in the state's medical assistance program and private health insurance plans. The bill defines key terms such as "health insurance policy" and "health insurer" to clarify its scope, excluding certain types of limited or supplemental insurance. The provisions will apply to health insurance policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date, and the bill will take effect 60 days after passage, with a specific regulation related to anti-obesity drug coverage being abrogated to align with the new law.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=271