MS HB980

Requires all health insurance policies, contracts, and managed care entities issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2014, to cover diseases and treatments caused by obesity and morbid obesity, including bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, lap band surgery, and prescriptions.

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

Individuals cannot be charged a deductible or coinsurance greater than similar benefits, and reimbursement to healthcare providers must equal or exceed Medicare rates.

Plans are not required to refer patients to non-participating providers if appropriate participating providers are available and accessible, but any referral to non-participating providers must result in no additional cost to the individual.

Applies to individual and group health insurance policies, nonprofit service contracts, health maintenance organizations, self-insured group arrangements, and all managed care delivery entities covering Mississippi residents.