MS HB152

Requires all health insurance policies, contracts, and managed care entities issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2016, to provide coverage for obesity and morbid obesity treatments when a physician certifies the individual has a body mass index 30% or more above ideal body weight and treatment is medically necessary.

Coverage must include bariatric, gastric bypass, and lap band surgeries, prescriptions, and obesity screening examinations and tests.

Prohibits requiring higher deductibles or coinsurance for obesity treatment testing than other similar benefits, and reimbursement to providers must equal or exceed Medicare rates.

Allows plans to require use of participating health care providers unless no appropriate participating provider is available and accessible, in which case nonparticipating providers must be covered at no additional cost to the individual.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.