Bill > S469

This bill mandates that various health insurance providers in New Jersey, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, individual and group health insurers, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), must cover the costs of annual physical examinations for student athletes and campers seeking pre-participation clearance. This coverage is required for contracts and policies issued, renewed, or approved in New Jersey on or after the bill's effective date, and the benefits must be provided to the same extent as other preventive health care services. The bill also applies to contracts purchased by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission, ensuring that these state-run programs also cover these physicals. The legislation aims to make these essential examinations more accessible by requiring insurance plans to include them as a covered benefit, particularly for those plans where the insurer reserves the right to change premiums or charges.