MS SB2654

Expands the obesity treatment program under the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan to cover any type of weight loss surgery, effective July 1, 2012.

Establishes patient eligibility criteria including BMI greater than 40 (or greater than 35 with two co-morbidities), one year participation in the health plan, and documented weight loss attempts using established diet methods.

Requires eligible facilities to be nationally designated Centers of Excellence and maintain comprehensive post-surgical support including nutritionist access, support meetings, personalized weight loss goals, and physical activity components.

Limits patient approvals to 100 patients per year for the first two years from different state regions, with no cap on approvals from year three onward.

Requires the board to report to legislative committees after two years with data on prescription costs, co-morbidity improvements, and productivity gains associated with the program.