MS HB946

Requires all individual and group health insurance policies, service contracts, health maintenance organizations, and managed care entities to provide coverage for obesity and morbid obesity treatments, including bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, lap band surgery, and related prescriptions when delivered, issued, or renewed on or after July 1, 2011.

Coverage is required when a physician issues a written order stating the individual has a body mass index 30% or more above ideal body weight and the treatment is medically necessary.

Mandates coverage for obesity screening examinations and tests without requiring deductibles or coinsurance that exceed similar benefits or materially diminish the value of the treatment.

Requires reimbursement rates to health care providers for obesity treatment to equal or exceed Medicare reimbursement rates under Title XVII of the Social Security Act.

Allows plans to refer individuals to nonparticipating providers only when appropriate participating providers are unavailable or inaccessible, with services provided at no additional cost to the individual.