Senate Commerce Committee Statement to Assembly, No. 3548 — State of New Jersey (February 11, 2021)

Summary

Statement of the Senate Commerce Committee, State of New Jersey, dated February 11, 2021, reporting favorably Assembly Bill No. 3548. The bill requires insurance coverage for screening adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 for major depressive disorder, so long as that screening keeps a rating of "A" or "B" from the United States Preventative Services Task Force. It applies to hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. Insurers may not impose cost sharing such as copayments, deductibles or coinsurance for these services.

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SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY,
No. 3548

STATE
OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY
11, 2021

The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably
Assembly Bill No. 3548.

The bill requires insurance coverage for expenses
incurred in screening adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 for major
depressive disorder, so long as screening for major depressive disorder in
adolescents continues to receive a rating of “A” or “B” from the United States
Preventative Services Task Force. The bill would apply to hospital, medical,
and health service corporations; commercial individual, small employer, and
larger group insurers; health maintenance organizations; and the State Health Benefits
Program and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program. Coverage may not be
denied solely on the basis that the screening is provided in conjunction with
any other health care evaluation, treatment, or service.

The bill provides that the benefits are to be provided
to the same extent as for any other condition under the contract or policy,
except that the insurer may not impose on covered persons receiving these
services any form of cost sharing, including, but not limited to, copayments,
deductibles, or coinsurance.

Depression is associated with higher levels of stress
and anxiety and can affect an adolescent’s personal, school, work, social, and
family life, leading to social isolation and other problems. Early diagnosis
is essential to the effective treatment of depression in young people.

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