AN ACT ELIMINATING THE REQUIREMENT THAT MEDICAID AND HUSKY B COVER WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS AND BARIATRIC SURGERY.

SB 982 removes a requirement that Medicaid and HUSKY B programs must cover prescription weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery for beneficiaries. This bill directly affects low-income individuals enrolled in these health coverage programs by eliminating a mandatory coverage provision. The key mechanism is amending state statutes to delete the specific mandate for these treatments, meaning programs are no longer obligated to provide this coverage. It does not ban coverage entirely - programs could still choose to cover these services voluntarily - but removes the legal obligation to do so. The bill focuses on changing coverage requirements, not on altering eligibility or funding for these programs.