Healthcare

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4375: Relates to gaming disorders

This bill adds "gaming disorder" to the mental hygiene law as a formally recognized condition, defined as addictive behavior based on the World Health Organization's latest classification. It directly affects individuals seeking mental health services for gaming-related issues by establishing a legal framework for diagnosis and treatment. The key provision amends the law to include this specific disorder, referencing the WHO's international standards. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill formally recognizes gaming disorder in mental hygiene law, enabling diagnosis/treatment under healthcare services per WHO standards, directly supporting mental health care access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7615: Expands Medicaid coverage to include neuropsychological exams for dyslexia

Bill S 7615 expands Medicaid coverage to include comprehensive neuropsychological examinations for dyslexia. This means individuals covered by Medicaid could receive these specialized diagnostic tests. To be covered, the exams must be performed by a licensed healthcare professional upon referral from a physician. The bill ensures access to specific diagnostic testing for dyslexia for Medicaid recipients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage to include dyslexia diagnostic exams, increasing access to specialized healthcare services for beneficiaries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9117: Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain immunizations, medicines, drugs or therapeutic devices

Permits licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order certain immunizations, medicines, drugs or therapeutic devices to the extent permitted by rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner of education and the commissioner of health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacist scope to prescribe immunizations/medicines, increasing patient access to preventive care without restricting services.95% confidence

Track

passed · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 1618: Enacts the "New York affordable drug manufacturing act"

Enacts the "New York affordable drug manufacturing act" to direct the commissioner of health to enter into partnerships to increase competition, lower prices, and address shortages in the market for generic prescription drugs, to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for public and private purchasers, taxpayers, and consumers, and to increase patient access to affordable drugs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates partnerships to lower drug prices, reduce costs for consumers, and increase patient access to affordable medications - directly advancing healthcare affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 885: Establishes "The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act"; relates to the definition of infertility and health insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility

Establishes "The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act"; relates to the definition of infertility and health insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates health insurance coverage for infertility treatment, expanding access to reproductive healthcare services as per bill's definition of infertility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 136: Enacts the supportive housing modernization act

Establishes a five-year window for any entity participating in the New York state supportive housing program (NYSSHP) in good standing with such program to participate in a request for proposal to increase their contract rates up to ESSHI levels.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases funding for supportive housing program (NYSSHP), which provides housing with health services for vulnerable populations, improving health outcomes and access to care.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases funding for supportive housing program via higher contract rates, advancing affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

Track

in committee · New York · Senate May 26, 2026

S 6532: Provides for licensing of a dental therapist

Requires individuals who practice the profession of dental therapy to be licensed and registered in the state; provides Medicaid reimbursement for dental therapy services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables Medicaid reimbursement for dental therapy services, expanding access to covered dental care under public health program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1579: Relates to prohibiting certain suicide prevention and mental health services hotlines from being automated

Directs the commissioner of the office of mental health to promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting any suicide prevention or mental health services hotline operated or sponsored by the state from being automated.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits automation of mental health hotlines, ensuring direct human interaction for critical suicide prevention services, strengthening patient access and care quality.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 9, 2026

A 8144: Requires health insurance contracts cover postpartum pelvic floor therapy

Bill A 8144 requires health insurance policies to include postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy as part of their minimum maternity care coverage. It amends specific sections of the insurance law to ensure this service is explicitly covered for new mothers. This means that health insurance contracts issued, renewed, or modified after the bill's effective date must provide coverage for this therapy. The bill aims to standardize the inclusion of postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy within maternity benefits.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for postpartum pelvic floor therapy, expanding maternity care benefits and improving patient access to a specific healthcare service.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates health insurance coverage for postpartum pelvic floor therapy, expanding maternity care benefits for workers and strengthening employment standards related to worker health benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4118: Relates to the certification of innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services

This bill creates a certification process for entities providing in-home substance use disorder treatment services in New York. It requires applicants to meet specific clinical standards, including conducting screenings for overdose risk, mental health conditions, and problem gambling, developing safety plans, and providing medication-assisted treatment and naloxone. Applicants must also submit a needs assessment and service proposal, with one required consultation meeting with local governments. The certification process must be established within six months, directly affecting treatment providers seeking to offer these services statewide.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates clinical standards for substance use treatment including medication-assisted therapy and naloxone, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes clinical standards for substance use treatment including mental health screenings and medication-assisted care, enhancing patient access and safety in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track