New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1841

Introduced
1/9/24  
Refer
1/9/24  
Refer
5/15/25  

Caption

Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.

Impact

If enacted, A1841 will amend existing laws pertaining to health insurance coverage, specifically the provisions regarding coverage of preventive services. This change would impose mandatory coverage for annual prostate cancer screenings, including methods recognized nationally such as digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen tests. The bill applies universally to various health insurance plans, including those catering to small employers and high-deductible plans, ensuring comprehensive inclusion across the market.

Summary

A1841 is a legislative bill aimed at expanding health insurance coverage mandates for prostate cancer screening in the State of New Jersey. This bill requires all health insurance policies issued or renewed after its enactment to cover prostate cancer screening without imposing any cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The goal of this legislation is to increase accessibility to preventive healthcare services for high-risk populations, specifically targeting men over the age of 40 with family histories of prostate cancer, and all men aged 50 and older.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding A1841 is predominantly positive among healthcare advocates and organizations concerned with cancer prevention, who argue that such measures are vital for early detection and potentially saving lives. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders regarding the financial implications for health insurance providers, who may perceive the added mandates as increasing operational costs. Overall, the discourse illustrates a strong advocacy for prioritizing patient wellbeing through accessible healthcare services.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A1841 involve the balance between ensuring comprehensive health coverage and the administrative burdens imposed on insurers. Some critics question the financial impact on small businesses that provide health insurance to their employees, arguing that mandated coverage could lead to higher premiums overall. Supporters counteract these concerns by emphasizing the long-term cost savings associated with early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, which can significantly reduce overall healthcare expenditures.

Companion Bills

NJ S3060

Same As Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.

NJ S791

Carry Over Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.

NJ A2795

Carry Over Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1142

Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening. *

NJ S1796

Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.

NJ A617

Establishes State definition of antisemitism.

NJ A946

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A1727

Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007.

NJ A2354

Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities.

NJ ACR78

Condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance.

NJ A3735

"Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments.

NJ A978

Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000.

NJ HB2097

Health insurance; coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings.

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