Bill > H0977

This bill mandates that the Department of Management Services, for state group health insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, must cover evidence-based treatments for obesity and related conditions, including intensive health behavioral and lifestyle interventions and medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight management. Coverage criteria for these medications will align with FDA indications, and lifestyle interventions will be recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or follow clinical standards, with services available in person, virtually, or in community settings. Before January 1, 2027, the department must establish eligibility criteria, requiring participants to be 18 or older, enrolled in specific plan types (PPO or HMO), referred and supervised by an in-network provider, consent to share medical information including body mass index and comorbidities, have a clinical diagnosis of obesity from an in-network provider, and participate in intensive lifestyle interventions. The bill defines "United States Food and Drug Administration-approved weight management medication" as specific FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management in patients with obesity, and "intensive health behavioral and lifestyle treatment" as evidence-based, multicomponent interventions delivered in person or via telehealth. Furthermore, the department is required to report annually on participation levels and cost savings resulting from these new benefits.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/977