Enacts new GS 58-3-295 requiring every health benefit plan offered in NC to cover adaptive exercise equipment for individuals with chronic mobility impairments resulting in lifelong wheelchair use. Defines adaptive exercise equipment as any machine, device, or tool designed to accommodate the improvement or maintenance of physical health. Subjects coverage to the same copay, coinsurance, and deductible as similar durable medical equipment. Specifies that the statute does not prevent an insurer from applying utilization review criteria to determine medical necessity and sets out requirements for such review.

Makes conforming changes to GS 135-48.51 concerning coverage by the State Health Plan.

Effective October 1, 2022.

Appropriates $10,000 for 2022-23 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to Disability Rights North Carolina to educate the public on this act. Effective July 1, 2022.