NH gov lets bill become law on weight-loss surgery

CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire health insurers will be required to offer bariatric surgery as an option in treating diseases and ailments caused by obesity.

Gov. John Lynch decided Tuesday to let a bill become law without his signature at midnight that mandates coverage as one option in treating the diseases. The law takes effect in 60 days.

The bill required patients to pass a number of medical and psychological hurdles first.

Health insurers opposed the measure sponsored by state Sen. Bob Clegg, who lost over 100 pounds after having bariatric surgery at his own expense. They argued the mandate could result in higher premiums.

Clegg and other supporters said the procedure can cure diabetes and other ailments that cost insurers more over time. They also argued that excluding morbid obesity from insurance coverage is no different from excluding coverage for cancer, heart disease or multiple sclerosis.