New Jersey Assembly Bill A1844

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires insurance coverage of epinephrine for persons aged 18 or younger when medically necessary.

Impact

The implementation of A1844 is expected to significantly impact health insurance policies in New Jersey, mandating changes across various health plan types including hospital service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual health insurance policies. By ensuring that age-appropriate insurance coverage is available, the bill aims to mitigate the financial burden on families who require these life-saving devices for their children. It will likely lead to increased compliance mechanisms for insurers and potentially higher insurance premiums, as providers adjust to the new regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1844 aims to enhance health insurance coverage for individuals aged 18 and under by requiring that all applicable health insurance plans provide benefits for the purchase of epinephrine auto-injector devices when deemed medically necessary. The legislation is motivated by the need to improve access to these critical medical devices, particularly for children who may suffer from severe allergic reactions requiring immediate treatment. This bill stipulates that coverage must be provided without the imposition of prior authorization or other utilization management requirements, ensuring that affected families can obtain these devices without unnecessary hurdles.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding Assembly Bill A1844 may arise around its potential cost implications for insurance providers and the overall healthcare system. Opponents might argue that expanding coverage without prior authorization could lead to increased misuse or overutilization of resources, contributing to higher healthcare costs. Moreover, some insurance corporations might express concern over the financial strain that the new requirements could place on their operations, questioning the sustainability of coverage expansions mandated by such legislation.