New Jersey Assembly Bill A4982

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/21/24
• Refer: 10/21/24
• Report Pass: 3/20/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Refer: 5/12/25

Caption

Prohibits health insurance carriers from using human body weight as factor in determining coverage for treatment of eating disorders.

Impact

If enacted, A4982 will significantly amend existing state laws governing health insurance coverage. By explicitly forbidding the use of body weight as a determiner for coverage, the bill shifts the focus of insurance evaluations from physical weight to more holistic assessments of health needs. This could lead to more comprehensive treatment options for individuals facing eating disorders, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the negative biases associated with weight in the healthcare system.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4982 aims to enhance the coverage provided by health insurance carriers for the treatment of eating disorders. Specifically, the bill prohibits these insurance carriers from using a person's body weight as a criterion to determine eligibility for treatment coverage. This legislative step is designed to ensure that individuals suffering from eating disorders receive the necessary care without discrimination based on their body weight, which is often stigmatized and can hinder access to appropriate treatment.

Contention

The bill has the potential to elicit debate among various stakeholders in the healthcare and insurance industries. Proponents argue that this legislation is a critical step in promoting equity in healthcare access for those with eating disorders. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications for insurance underwriting practices and how such a prohibition could affect insurance premiums. Therefore, the bill is likely to face scrutiny regarding its overall impact on the insurance market and healthcare costs.