Bill
Bill > A3369
NJ A3369
NJ A3369Requires SHBP, SEHBP, Medicaid, and NJ FamilyCare to cover anti-obesity medications.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 mandates that the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), the State Medicaid program, and the NJ FamilyCare program must cover anti-obesity medications for their members. These medications, defined as FDA-approved prescription drugs prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for chronic weight management in individuals who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related medical condition, will be covered when a member has a diagnosis of obesity or an obesity-related condition and the medication is prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional and dispensed by an approved pharmacy. The intent behind this legislation is to reduce the prevalence of obesity and its associated health problems and medical costs in New Jersey, where obesity affects a significant portion of the population and increases the risk of serious conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. For Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare, coverage is contingent on federal approval of necessary waivers or state plan amendments.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3369 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3369_I1.HTM |
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