[Second Reprint]
ASSEMBLY, No. 1841
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman JOE DANIELSEN
District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)
Assemblywoman VERLINA REYNOLDS-JACKSON
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Simonsen, McClellan, Assemblywoman Matsikoudis, Assemblyman Schaer, Assemblywoman Speight, Assemblyman Rodriguez, Assemblywoman Ramirez, Assemblyman Schnall, Assemblywoman Swift, Assemblyman DeAngelo, Assemblywomen Donlon, Peterpaul, Assemblymen Spearman, Azzariti Jr., Abdelaziz, Assemblywoman Katz, Assemblyman Scharfenberger, Assemblywomen Sumter, Carter, Assemblymen Rumpf, Venezia, Kennedy, Stanley, Karabinchak, Assemblywomen Drulis, Swain, Assemblymen Tully, Freiman and Assemblywoman Haider
SYNOPSIS
Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Assembly Health Committee on November 24, 2025, with amendments.
An Act concerning health insurance coverage for prostate cancer screening and amending P.L.1996, c.125 and supplementing various parts of the statutory law.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 1 of P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48E-35.13) is amended to read as follows:
1. 1[a.]1 2a.2 No health service corporation contract providing hospital or medical expense benefits [for groups with greater than 49 persons] shall be delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State, or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Insurance on or after the effective date of [this act] P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48E-35.13 et al.), unless the contract provides benefits to any named subscriber or other person covered thereunder for expenses incurred in conducting an annual [medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors] prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the benefits shall be imposed.
This section shall apply to all health service corporation contracts in which the health service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section.
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
(cf: P.L.1996, c.125, s.1)
2. Section 2 of P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48-6p) is amended to read as follows:
2. 1[a.]1 2a.2 No hospital service corporation contract providing hospital or medical expense benefits [for groups with greater than 49 persons] shall be delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State, or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Insurance on or after the effective date of [this act] P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48E-35.13 et al.), unless the contract provides benefits to any named subscriber or other person covered thereunder for expenses incurred in conducting an annual [medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors] prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the benefits shall be imposed.
This section shall apply to all hospital service corporation contracts in which the hospital service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
(cf: P.L.1996, c.125, s.2)
3. Section 3 of P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48A-7n) is amended to read as follows:
3. 1[a.]1 2a.2 No medical service corporation contract providing hospital or medical expense benefits [for groups with greater than 49 persons] shall be delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State, or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Insurance on or after the effective date of [this act] P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48E-35.13 et al.), unless the contract provides benefits to any named subscriber or other person covered thereunder for expenses incurred in conducting an annual [medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors] prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the benefits shall be imposed.
This section shall apply to all medical service corporation contracts in which the medical service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
(cf: P.L.1996, c.125, s.3)
4. Section 4 of P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17B:27-46.1o) is amended to read as follows:
4. 1[a.]1 2a.2 No group health insurance policy providing hospital or medical expense benefits [for groups with greater than 49 persons] shall be delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State, or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Insurance on or after the effective date of [this act] P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48E-35.13 et al.), unless the policy provides benefits to any named insured or other person covered thereunder for expenses incurred in conducting an annual [medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors] prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the policy except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the benefits shall be imposed.
This section shall apply to all group health insurance policies in which the health insurer has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
(cf: P.L.1996, c.125, s.4)
5. Section 5 of P.L.1996, c.125 (C.26:2J-4.13) is amended to read as follows:
5. 1[a.]1 2a.2 A certificate of authority to establish and operate a health maintenance organization in this State shall not be issued or continued by the Commissioner of Health on or after the effective date of [this act] P.L.1996, c.125 (C.17:48E-35.13 et al.) unless the health maintenance organization provides health care services to any enrollee which include an annual [medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors] prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The health care services shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the services shall be imposed.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all contracts for health care services by health maintenance organizations under which the right to change the schedule of charges for enrollee coverage is reserved.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
(cf: P.L.1996, c.125, s.5)
6. (New section) 1[a. (1)]1 2a.2 Every individual health insurance policy that provides hospital or medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State pursuant to chapter 26 of Title 17B of the New Jersey Statutes, or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, on or after the effective date of this act shall provide coverage for an annual prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the services shall be imposed.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all policies in which the insurer has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
7. (New section) 1[a. (1)]1 2a.2 Every individual health benefits plan that provides hospital or medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State pursuant to P.L.1992, c.161 (C.17B:27A-2 et seq.) or approved for issuance or renewal in this State on or after the effective date of this act shall provide benefits for an annual prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the services shall be imposed.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all health benefits plans in which the carrier has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
8. (New section) 1[a.]1 2a.2 Every small employer health benefits plan that provides hospital or medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State pursuant to P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17 et seq.) or approved for issuance or renewal in this State on or after the effective date of this act shall provide benefits for an annual prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the services shall be imposed.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all health benefits plans in which the carrier has reserved the right to change the premium.
2The provisions of this section shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.223). The provisions of this section shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as applicable. The provisions of this section shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. s.156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a physician, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
9. (New section) 1[a.]1 2a.2 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 an annual prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the services shall be imposed.
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
10. (New section) 1[a.]1 2a.2 The School Employees’ 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 an annual prostate cancer screening 1in accordance with the latest nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines1.
The benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other medical condition under the contract except that no deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the services shall be imposed.
2b. As used in this section:
“Nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines” means evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by independent organizations or medical professional societies utilizing a transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. The guidelines establish standards of care informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and risks of alternative care options and include recommendations intended to optimize patient care.2
1[b. As used in this section:
“Prostate cancer screening” means medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. “Prostate cancer screening” shall also include subsequent follow up testing as directed by a health care provider, including, but not limited to:
(1) urinary analysis;
(2) serum biomarkers;
(3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging.]1
11. This act shall take effect on the 90th day next following the date of enactment and shall apply to all contracts and policies delivered, issued, executed, or renewed on or after that date.