MS HB317

Requires all individual and group health insurance policies, service contracts, health maintenance organizations, self-insured arrangements, and managed care entities operating in Mississippi to provide coverage for diseases and ailments caused by obesity and morbid obesity, including bariatric, gastric bypass, and lap band surgeries and prescriptions, effective July 1, 2019

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 the treatment is medically necessary

Prohibits charging higher deductibles or coinsurance for obesity treatment testing than for similar benefits; if no similar benefit exists, deductibles cannot materially diminish the value of required obesity treatment

Requires reimbursement 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 not available or accessible; any services from nonparticipating providers must be provided at no additional cost to the individual