HB5766 Summary

• Requires group and individual health insurance policies and managed care plans amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date to provide coverage or reimbursement of up to $500 annually for tobacco use cessation programs for enrolled members 18 years or older.

• Defines tobacco use cessation program as evidence-based treatment following U.S. Public Health Service guidelines, including education, counseling by physicians, and all FDA-approved medications for tobacco dependence treatment.

• Prohibits insurers from denying eligibility, penalizing providers, or providing incentives to reduce reimbursement related to tobacco cessation coverage requirements.

• Requires written notice of tobacco cessation coverage availability to be delivered to insureds upon enrollment and annually thereafter.

• Extends tobacco cessation coverage requirements to State Employees Group Insurance, county and municipal health plans, school district insurance, health maintenance organizations, limited health service organizations, and voluntary health services plans.