Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2334: Provides for coverage of screenings for elevated lead levels

Bill S 2334 mandates that insurance policies covering screenings for elevated lead levels must exempt these services from annual deductibles or coinsurance. This means individuals with such insurance will not face out-of-pocket costs for these specific tests. The bill also applies this provision to screenings for children covered under social services law. It amends various sections of the insurance and social services law to implement these changes, aiming to reduce financial barriers to lead level detection.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no deductibles/coinsurance for lead screenings, removing financial barriers and expanding access to preventive healthcare coverage.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 4964: Relates to medical malpractice excess line insurance

This bill amends New York's insurance law to change requirements for medical malpractice insurance. It removes the need for insurers to obtain a declination from insurance associations before placing coverage for hospitals, physicians, or dentists. The key provision states that if insurance is available through an association or plan, insurers no longer must get a declination for these specific medical malpractice policies. This directly affects healthcare providers (hospitals, doctors, dentists) purchasing malpractice insurance by simplifying the placement process. The change applies to all medical malpractice coverage, not just specific types, streamlining how insurers secure this essential coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves declination requirement for medical malpractice insurance, easing provider access to coverage and supporting healthcare system stability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 7048: Relates to review of projects affecting the availability of maternity services

Requires the commissioner of health to promulgate regulations requiring that the addition of, decertification of, or changes in the method of delivery of perinatal services by a general hospital be subject to an application under article 28 of the public health law that requires review and approval by the council.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires regulatory review for hospital changes to maternity services, ensuring continued access to perinatal care and preventing service disruptions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 4956: Designates services to be provided by a jail-based substance use disorder treatment, peer led recovery support services, and transition services program as essential medical care services

Designates services to be provided by a jail-based substance use disorder treatment, peer led recovery support services, and transition services program as essential medical care services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDesignates jail-based substance use treatment as essential medical care, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform priorities.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDesignates jail-based substance use disorder treatment as essential medical care, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 3820: Requires health insurance policies include coverage for anesthesia for the duration of a medical procedure

Requires health insurance policies include coverage for anesthesia for the entire duration of a procedure for which a licensed medical practitioner has issued an order for such anesthesia.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for anesthesia duration, expanding patient access to essential medical services without restrictions95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 903: Relates to informal caregiver training

This bill (S 903) creates state-funded training programs for family members and other unpaid caregivers supporting people needing daily assistance due to disability or age. It expands the definition of "informal caregiver" to include non-household members (like older adults caring for minor relatives) and defines "person in need of assistance" broadly to cover those requiring help with daily tasks, including minors with disabilities. Key provisions require the state director to develop culturally sensitive training covering health knowledge, practical care skills, stress management, and resource access, delivered through caregiver resource centers and local networks. The bill mandates annual reports to the legislature tracking program participation and effectiveness in improving care quality.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates state-funded caregiver training for people needing daily health assistance, expanding definitions to include vulnerable populations and improving care quality - directly advancing healthcare support systems.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · New York · Senate Mar 17, 2026

S 6334: Expands the description of certain services which are not prohibited by statutes governing the practice of nursing

Expands the description of certain services which are not prohibited by statutes governing the practice of nursing, including direct support staff to nurses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands nursing practice scope to include direct support staff, enhancing service delivery and patient access within healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 5779: Requires certain entities to stock opioid antagonists and to store naloxone nasal sprays with or adjacent to automated external defibrillator cabinets

Requires certain entities to stock opioid antagonists and to store naloxone nasal sprays with or adjacent to automated external defibrillator cabinets.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates naloxone availability near AEDs to reverse opioid overdoses, improving emergency public health response and patient access to life-saving treatment.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed both · New York · Senate Mar 11, 2026

S 8869: Requires certain health insurance policies include coverage for services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives

This bill requires most health insurance plans sold in the state to cover pharmacist-provided contraceptive services, such as counseling, prescribing, or dispensing. It directly affects health insurers and patients seeking contraceptive care through pharmacies. The key provision mandates that insurance policies include these specific services without extra costs to the patient. The bill passed the Senate in January 2026 and is now under review by the Assembly's Insurance committee.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for pharmacist-conducted contraceptive services, expanding patient access without cost, directly advancing healthcare coverage under topic description.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 11, 2026

S 5105: Directs the commissioner of the office of addiction services and supports to promulgate rules and regulations for providers operating in rural locations

Directs the commissioner of the office of addiction services and supports to promulgate rules and regulations for providers operating in rural locations while taking into account the extra challenges encountered by such providers, including but not limited to, increased and additional expenses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirects rules for rural addiction providers addressing cost challenges, improving access to healthcare services in underserved areas.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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