6. a. Every contract for health care services that is delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State pursuant to P.L.1973, c.337 (C. 26:2J-1 et seq.) or approved for issuance or renewal in this State on or after the effective date of this act shall provide health care services to any enrollee or other person covered thereunder for the following equipment and supplies for the treatment of diabetes, if recommended or prescribed by a participating physician or participating nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist: blood glucose monitors and blood glucose monitors for the legally blind; test strips for glucose monitors and visual reading and urine testing strips; insulin; injection aids; cartridges for the legally blind; syringes; insulin pumps and appurtenances thereto; insulin infusion devices; and oral agents for controlling blood sugar. Coverage for the purchase of a short-acting, intermediate-acting, rapid-acting, long-acting, and pre-mixed insulin product shall not be subject to any deductible, and no copayment or coinsurance for the purchase of insulin shall exceed $35 per 30-day supply. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to a high-deductible health plan to the maximum extent permitted by federal law, except if the plan is used to establish a medical savings account pursuant to section 220 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. § 220) or a health savings account pursuant to section 223 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. § 223). The provisions of this subsection shall apply to the plan to the maximum extent that is permitted by federal law and does not disqualify the account for the deduction allowed under section 220 or 223, as applicable. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to a plan that meets the requirements of a catastrophic plan, as defined in 45 C.F.R. 156.155, to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.

b. Each contract shall also provide health care services for diabetes self-management education to ensure that a person with diabetes is educated as to the proper self-management and treatment of their diabetic condition, including information on proper diet. Health care services provided for self-management education and education relating to diet shall be limited to visits medically necessary upon the diagnosis of diabetes; upon diagnosis by a participating physician or participating nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist of a significant change in the enrollee’s or other covered person’s symptoms or conditions which necessitate changes in that person’s self-management; and upon determination of a participating physician or participating nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist that reeducation or refresher education is necessary. Diabetes self-management education shall be provided by a participating dietitian registered by a nationally recognized professional association of dietitians or a health care professional recognized as a Certified Diabetes Educator by the American Association of Diabetes Educators or, pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1993, c.378 (C. 26:2J-4.7), a registered pharmacist in the State qualified with regard to management education for diabetes by any institution recognized by the board of pharmacy of the State of New Jersey.

c. The health care services required by this section shall be provided to the same extent as for any other sickness under the contract.

d. This section shall apply to all contracts in which the health maintenance organization has reserved the right to change the schedule of charges.

e. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a health benefits plan subject to the provisions of P.L.1992, c.161 (C. 17B:27A-2 et seq.) or P.L.1992, c.162 (C. 17B:27A-17 et seq.).

f. The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance may, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), promulgate and periodically update a list of additional diabetes equipment and related supplies that are medically necessary for the treatment of diabetes and for which benefits shall be provided according to the provisions of this section.

L.1995, c.331, s.6; amended 2023, c.105, s.16.