Committee advances bill to require coverage of continuous glucose monitors for glycogen storage disease

The Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on Feb. 20 amended and released Assembly Bill 3242, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitoring systems for treatment of glycogen storage disease and set an effective date for individual health policies of Jan. 1, 2027.

Supporters and family members described CGM devices as lifesaving. One speaker said the Dexcom alerts helped prevent dangerous drops in a child’s blood sugar and urged the committee to make the devices broadly available to patients with similar conditions. Alex Arnold, director of government affairs at the New Jersey Association of Health Plans, said the plans "appreciate the intent" of the bill but asked for clearer language and targeted amendments. Arnold told the committee that the bill contains inconsistent utilization-management provisions and that a new state coverage mandate could trigger federal defrayal requirements under the Affordable Care Act and related CMS rules.

The committee agreed to an amendment moving the bill’s effective date for individual market policies to Jan. 1, 2027. On the motion to amend and release AB3242, Assemblyman Meyer recorded an abstention while other members voted in favor; the chair announced the bill was amended and released.

Proponents framed the change as improving access to clinically useful technology for patients with rare metabolic conditions. Insurer testimony focused on implementation details: clarifying whether standard clinical review and utilization-management tools would remain available and ensuring consistent application across plan types so patient safety and fiscal responsibility are preserved.

The committee did not adopt the insurer’s proposed specific language changes on the record; members signaled willingness to work on alignment and to rely on the mandated health-benefits review process if additional evidence or technical adjustments are needed. The bill will proceed with the amendment setting the 2027 effective date.