SENATE, No. 1705

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 25, 1996

By Senator INVERSO

An Act concerning benefits related to mastectomies in the State Health Benefits Program and supplementing P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.25 ).

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The State Health Benefits Commission shall ensure that every contract purchased by the commission on or after the effective date of this act that provides hospital or medical expense benefits, shall provide coverage for a minimum of 72 hours of inpatient care following surgery for a mastectomy. The contract shall also provide that a carrier shall not require a health care provider to obtain authorization from the carrier for prescribing 72 hours of inpatient care as provided for in this section.

     2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill requires the State Health Benefits Program to provide coverage for a minimum of 72 hours of inpatient care following surgery for a mastectomy. The bill also provides that a carrier under the program shall not require a health care provider to obtain authorization from the carrier for prescribing 72 hours of inpatient care.

Requires State Health Benefits Program to provide inpatient coverage for a minimum of 72 hours following a mastectomy.