ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4698

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 3, 2022

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 4698.

      As amended by committee, this bill requires health insurers and the State Medicaid program to provide coverage for the dispensing of prescription contraceptives for to up to 12 months at one time.  The bill applies to hospital, medical, and health service corporations, commercial, individual, small employer and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, prepaid prescription service organizations, the State Health Benefits Program, and the State Medicaid program. With respect to the Medicaid program, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for any necessary waivers from the federal government to secure federal financial participation to implement the bill.

      As amended, the provisions of this bill will apply to policies and contracts delivered, issued, executed, or renewed on or after January 1, 2023.

      As reported by the committee with amendments, Assembly Bill No. 4698 is identical to Senate Bill No. 413 (SCS) which was also amended and reported by the committee on this date.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments provide that the provisions of this bill will apply to policies and contracts delivered, issued, executed, or renewed on or after January 1, 2023.

      The committee amendments make technical changes concerning style and usage.