New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1244

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

"The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias.

Impact

The proposed legislation amends existing healthcare regulations, mandating that health, hospital, and medical service corporations provide benefits for concurrent mammograms and ultrasounds. This will impact insurance policies delivered or renewed in New Jersey, ensuring that women's health needs concerning breast cancer screening are adequately addressed. Such amendments reflect a broader commitment to preventive health measures and emphasize the necessity of comprehensive care for women, particularly those at elevated risk.

Summary

S1244 is a legislative bill that mandates health care professionals to order bilateral ultrasounds concurrently with mammograms for patients who have certain risk factors for breast cancer. The bill aims to enhance early detection and treatment of breast cancer by ensuring that women receive comprehensive diagnostic testing based on their individual health profiles. Specifically, it requires all health insurers to include coverage for these services within their health benefit plans, promoting equal healthcare accessibility for women at risk.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around S1244 is positive among health advocates and organizations focused on women's health, as it aims to improve early detection of breast cancer. Supporters see it as a critical step towards ensuring that women have access to essential health services without the burden of prohibitive costs. However, there could be concerns from some insurance companies regarding the potential increase in costs associated with required coverage of more comprehensive testing.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve health outcomes for women, there may be discussions regarding the cost implications for insurers and how this will affect premiums. Insurers could argue the necessity of additional screenings could lead to increased healthcare costs; however, proponents of the bill counter that early detection ultimately reduces the long-term costs associated with more advanced cancer treatments. The existing debate touches on the balance between healthcare costs and the necessity for thorough healthcare coverage.

Companion Bills

NJ A289

Same As "The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias.

NJ S1904

Carry Over "The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias.

NJ A3988

Carry Over "The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias.

NJ S2666

Carry Over Requires MVC to prompt applicant for certain documents to enter information into "Next-of-Kin Registry."

Previously Filed As

NJ S537

"The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias.

NJ S1244

Requires health care professional to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.

NJ A1945

Requires health care professionals to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.

NJ S855

"Michelle's Law"; requires health benefit plans to cover mammogram for an individual if recommended by health care provider.

NJ A1462

"Michelle's Law"; requires health benefit plans to cover mammogram for an individual if recommended by health care provider.

NJ HB2369

Promoting the use of local foods in public schools.

NJ S3810

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for certain imaging related to breast cancer detection.

NJ S2716

Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances.

NJ A2152

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for certain imaging related to breast cancer detection.

NJ A2775

Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

NJ S855

"Michelle's Law"; requires health benefit plans to cover mammogram for an individual if recommended by health care provider.

NJ A1462

"Michelle's Law"; requires health benefit plans to cover mammogram for an individual if recommended by health care provider.

NJ S1244

Requires health care professional to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.

NJ A1945

Requires health care professionals to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds.

NJ S1972

Lowers age at which certain insurers are required to provide coverage for mammograms.

NJ S2716

Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances.

NJ A2775

Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances.

NJ S3810

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for certain imaging related to breast cancer detection.