§ 17:48-6b — Benefits for reconstructive breast surgery

1. Every subscription certificate and group and individual contract providing hospital service benefits delivered, issued, executed or renewed in this State, or approved for issuance or renewal in this State by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance on or after the effective date of this act, shall provide benefits, following a mastectomy on one breast or both breasts, for reconstructive breast surgery, surgery to restore and achieve symmetry between the two breasts, and the cost of prostheses and, under any contract providing outpatient x-ray or radiation therapy, benefits for outpatient chemotherapy following surgical procedures in connection with the treatment of breast cancer shall be included as a part of the outpatient x-ray or radiation therapy benefit. The provisions of this section shall apply to all contracts in which the hospital service corporation has reserved the right to change the premium. Such benefits shall be provided to the same extent as for any other sickness under the contract. L.1983,c.50,s.1; amended 1997, c.75, s.1.