Bill Text: NJ S3434 | 2024-2025 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Clarifies coverage requirements for health insurers of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-06-20 - Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading [S3434 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2024-S3434-Introduced.html

SENATE, No. 3434

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

221st LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED JUNE 10, 2024

 


 

Sponsored by:

Senator  JOSEPH F. VITALE

District 19 (Middlesex)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Clarifies coverage requirements for health insurers of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  


An Act concerning health insurance coverage for contraceptives and amending P.L.2005, c.251 and P.L.2021, c.376.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    Section 1 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17:48-6ee) is amended to read as follows:

     1.    a.  A hospital service corporation that provides hospital or medical expense benefits shall provide coverage under every contract delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered prescription contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the contract, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to those contracts in which the hospital service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.1)

 

     2.    Section 2 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17:48A-7bb) is amended to read as follows:

     2.    a.  A medical service corporation that provides hospital or medical expense benefits shall provide coverage under every contract delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered prescription contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the contract, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to those contracts in which the medical service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.2)

 

     3.    Section 3 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17:48E-35.29) is amended to read as follows:

     3.    a.  A health service corporation that provides hospital or medical expense benefits shall provide coverage under every contract delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered prescription contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the contract, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to those contracts in which the health service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.3)

 

     4.    Section 4 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17B:27-46.1ee) is amended to read as follows:

     4.    a.  A group health insurer that provides hospital or medical expense benefits shall provide coverage under every policy delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the policy, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to those policies in which the insurer has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.4)

     5.    Section 5 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17B:26-2.1y) is amended to read as follows:

     5.    a.  An individual health insurer that provides hospital or medical expense benefits shall provide coverage under every policy delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act, for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered prescription contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the policy, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to those policies in which the insurer has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.5)

 

     6.    Section 6 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.26:2J-4.30) is amended to read as follows:

     6.    a.  A certificate of authority to establish and operate a health maintenance organization in this State shall not be issued or continued on or after the effective date of this act for a health maintenance organization, unless the health maintenance organization provides health care services for prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered prescription contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the health care services shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the contract, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    The provisions of this section shall apply to those contracts for health care services by health maintenance organizations under which the right to change the schedule of charges for enrollee coverage is reserved.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.6)

 

     7.    Section 7 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17B:27A-7.12) is amended to read as follows:

     7.    a.  An individual health benefits plan required pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1992, c.161 (C.17B:27A-4) shall provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the prescription requested drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for prescription covered contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the health benefits plan, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to all individual health benefits plans in which the carrier has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.7)

 

     8.    Section 8 of P.L.2005, c.251 (C.17B:27A-19.15) is amended to read as follows:

     8.    a.  A small employer health benefits plan required pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-19) shall provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase of prescription and over-the-counter female contraceptives, and the following services, drugs, devices, products, and procedures on an in-network basis:

     (1)   Any contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which coverage shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

     (a)   If there is a therapeutic equivalent of a prescription contraceptive drug, device or product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, coverage shall be provided for either the requested prescription contraceptive drug, device or product or for one or more therapeutic equivalents of the requested prescription drug, device or product.

     (b)   Coverage shall be provided without a prescription or provider order for all contraceptive drugs available for over-the-counter sale that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

     (c)   Coverage shall be provided without any infringement upon a subscriber's choice of contraception [and medical].  Medical necessity shall be determined by the provider for covered prescription contraceptive drugs, devices or other products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs shall be deemed to be present.

     (2)   Voluntary male and female sterilization.

     (3)   Patient education and counseling on contraception.

     (4)   Services related to the administration and monitoring of drugs, devices, products and services required under this section, including but not limited to:

     (a)   Management of side effects;

     (b)   Counseling for continued adherence to a prescribed regimen;

     (c)   Device insertion and removal;

     (d)   Provision of alternative contraceptive drugs, devices or products deemed medically appropriate in the judgment of the subscriber's health care provider; and

     (e)   Diagnosis and treatment services provided pursuant to, or as a follow-up to, a service required under this section.

     b.    The coverage provided shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for:

     (1)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.376)

     (2)   up to a 12-month period at one time.

     c.     (1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other service, drug, device, product, or procedure under the health benefits plan, except no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage shall be imposed.  Point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives shall be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

     (2)   In the case of a high-deductible health plan, benefits for male sterilization or male contraceptives shall be provided at the lowest deductible and other cost-sharing permitted for a high-deductible health plan under section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.223).

     d.    This section shall apply to all small employer health benefits plans in which the carrier has reserved the right to change the premium.

     e.     Nothing in this section shall limit coverage of any additional preventive service for women, as identified or recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 300gg-13.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.8)

 

     9.    Section 11 of P.L.2021, c.376 (C.30:4D-6s) is amended to read as follows:

     11.  Coverage for family planning services under the State Medicaid program administered by the State Medicaid agency or through contract with a Medicaid managed care organization and other programs administered by the Department of Human Services that provide benefits for contraceptives, including but not limited to PlanFirst, Cover All Kids, and the Supplemental Prenatal and Contraceptive Program, shall include prescriptions for dispensing contraceptives for up to a 12-month period at one time.  Coverage shall also include over-the-counter contraceptives and pharmacy-authorized self-administered hormonal contraceptives as authorized pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2023, c.2 (C.45:14-67.9), with no requirement to obtain a prescription or provider order.  The Commissioner of Human Services shall apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section and to secure federal financial participation for State Medicare expenditures under the federal Medicaid program.

(cf: P.L.2021, c.376, s.11)

 

     10.  This act shall take effect on the 90th day next following enactment and shall apply to policies and contracts that are delivered, issued, executed, or renewed on or after that date.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill clarifies certain current law regarding coverage for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs by insurers authorized to provide health benefits in the State.  Specifically, the bill clarifies that various insurers are required to provide coverage for either the requested prescriptive contraceptive drugs, devices, and products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the therapeutic equivalents.  Medical necessity for over-the-counter contraceptive drugs is also deemed to be present under the coverage of the various health insurers in the State.  Additionally, point-of-sale coverage for over-the-counter female contraceptives is to be provided without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.  Lastly, the bill further delineates the type of family planning programs that provide benefits for contraceptives and establishes that Medicaid and the other family planning programs are to provide coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives and pharmacy-furnished self-administered hormonal contraceptives with no requirement for a prescription or provider order.   

feedback