New Jersey Senate Bill S1260

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22

Caption

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for treatment of tick-borne diseases.

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to enhance the accessibility of necessary treatments for patients suffering from tick-borne diseases. By requiring insurers to cover these healthcare costs, the bill seeks to alleviate the financial burden on individuals and families affected by conditions that often require prolonged treatment. This could potentially improve health outcomes and reduce long-term complications associated with untreated or improperly managed tick-borne illnesses.

Summary

Senate Bill S1260 is designed to mandate health insurers to provide coverage for the treatment of tick-borne diseases, recognizing the growing prevalence and impact of such conditions on public health. Specifically, the bill outlines that coverage must include expenses incurred for long-term antibiotic therapy and ongoing testing, as determined necessary by a physician. The definition of tick-borne diseases include those infections caused by tick bites, such as Lyme disease, and encompasses various conditions recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Contention

A notable aspect of S1260 is its provision that treatment may not be denied based on the characterization of being experimental or investigational in nature. This clause could attract scrutiny and debate regarding the implications for medical standards and insurance practices. Critics may argue that broad guidelines for what constitutes medically necessary treatment could lead to increased healthcare costs and potential misuse of off-label drug prescriptions. Thus, discussions surrounding this stipulation might reflect wider concerns about healthcare policy and insurance regulation in the state.