New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2483

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.

Impact

The introduction of AB A2483 represents a significant shift in state law concerning insurance coverage for medical devices aimed at mitigating side effects of cancer treatments. By ensuring that health maintenance organizations, hospital service corporations, and other health plans are required to cover scalp cooling systems, the bill seeks to alleviate the emotional and psychological impacts that hair loss can have on patients undergoing chemotherapy. This legislation can potentially lead to more comprehensive cancer care and improve the quality of life for cancer patients, as it addresses an important facet of the treatment process that was previously underrepresented in insurance coverage.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2483 is a piece of legislation that mandates health insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems used in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment. The bill obligates health insurance carriers, including individual and group policies, to cover these cooling systems, which help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. This coverage must extend to all aspects of care related to the treatment of patients undergoing chemotherapy, ensuring that such devices are available without additional costs imposed on patients or medical professionals.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various advocacy groups advocating for cancer patients' rights, there may be points of contention regarding the impact on insurance premiums and the overall costs associated with implementing such a coverage mandate. Some critics may argue that this could lead to higher insurance costs as providers adjust to the new requirements. Additionally, concerns around the practicality and efficacy of scalp cooling systems versus their costs could lead to debates during the bill's review process, as stakeholders may have differing opinions on whether the benefits justify the associated expenditures.

Companion Bills

NJ A5271

Carry Over Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.

NJ S4141

Carry Over Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.

NJ S494

Same As Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.

Similar Bills

SC H4972

Insurance Coverage for Cold Cap and Scalp Cooling Systems

NJ S494

Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.

AZ HB2558

Insurance; cancer; chemotherapy; scalp cooling

RI H7537

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

RI S2455

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

RI H6158

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

NJ A2584

Requires health insurance coverage for hair headpieces for patients receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

MA S2600

Requiring health insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems