Section 415:6-o Coverage for Obesity and Morbid Obesity; Individual.
Each insurer that issues or renews any individual policy, plan, or contract of accident or health insurance providing benefits for medical or hospital expenses, shall provide to certificate holders of such insurance, who are residents of this state, coverage for the diseases and ailments caused by obesity and morbid obesity and treatment for such, including bariatric surgery, when the prescribing physician has issued a written order stating that treatment is medically necessary and in accordance with the patient qualifications and treatment standards set forth by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery or the American College of Surgeons. Such treatment standards may include, but not be limited to, pre-operative psychological screening and counseling, behavior modification, weight loss, exercise regimens, nutritional counseling, and post-operative follow-up, overview, and counseling of dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes. The covered insured shall be at least 18 years of age. The benefits included in this section shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the policy and shall be no less extensive than coverage provided for similar conditions or illnesses.
Source. 2008, 389:1, eff. Sept. 14, 2008.