MS HB102

Requires all individual and group health insurance policies, service contracts, health maintenance organization contracts, and managed care entities in Mississippi to provide coverage for diseases and conditions caused by obesity, including bariatric, gastric bypass, and lap band surgeries and related prescriptions when delivered or renewed on or after July 1, 2020.

Mandates coverage only when a physician provides written documentation that the individual has a body mass index 30 percent or more above ideal body weight and that treatment is medically necessary.

Prohibits insurers from requiring deductibles or coinsurance for obesity treatment testing that exceed the annual deductible or coinsurance for similar benefits, and prevents deductibles from materially diminishing the value of required obesity 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 use of nonparticipating health care providers only when participating providers are unavailable or inaccessible, with services provided at no additional cost to the individual beyond what they would pay with participating providers.