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Bill > S3549


NJ S3549

NJ S3549
Requires health insurance coverage for certain obesity treatments.


summary

Introduced
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires health insurance coverage for certain obesity treatments. Under the bill, health insurance carriers (including insurance companies, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, and any entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program or School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the Medicaid Program) will be required to cover certain treatments for obesity. The methods of treatment for which benefits will be provided include preventive care, nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and anti-obesity medication. For the purpose of this bill, "anti-obesity medication" means any medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration that provides for chronic weight management in patents with obesity.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that health insurance providers in New Jersey, including various types of insurance companies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and entities administering state employee health plans and Medicaid, must cover treatments for obesity. These covered treatments include preventive care, nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and "anti-obesity medication," which is defined as any medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity. The bill specifies that these benefits must be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition and applies to new and renewed policies and contracts after the bill's effective date, which is 90 days after enactment.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 02/19/2026)

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