Requires insurers and SHBP to provide coverage for expenses incurred in screening for ovarian cancer.
The enactment of S734 will require that multiple types of health benefit plans, including those from hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and other commercial insurers, must include this coverage. By mandating these screenings, the bill aims to improve health outcomes for women at risk and may lead to earlier detection of ovarian cancer, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with this disease. Insurers will be required to treat this coverage comparably to other medical conditions under their respective policies.
Senate Bill 734 requires insurers and the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) in New Jersey to provide coverage for expenses incurred in screening for ovarian cancer. This legislation is primarily aimed at ensuring that symptomatic women or those at risk for ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history or certain health conditions, receive necessary diagnostic tests. The coverage will include annual pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, and blood tests for cancer markers, such as CA 125 levels. This bill is in response to ovarian cancer being a significant cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Discussion around S734 may arise from concerns regarding the cost implications for insurance providers and the potential for increased premiums as a result of these added benefits. Some stakeholders may argue about the financial burden on insurers, while advocates for women's health stress the necessity of providing these screenings as a preventive measure. The debate may also encompass discussions on the adequacy of existing coverage options and whether this bill goes far enough to ensure comprehensive care for women facing ovarian cancer risks.