Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 3188: Limits physician charges for missed appointments by patients

Relates to physician charges for missed appointments by patients; bars physicians from charging fees if a patient arrives on time for appointment but was not seen; requires written policy about missed appointments be prominently posted in patient waiting room and included in bills mailed to patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBars physicians from charging patients for missed appointments when they arrived on time, protecting patient rights and preventing unfair fees in healthcare billing practices.90% confidence

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signed · New York · Assembly Feb 6, 2026

A 136: Relates to the medical aid in dying act

This bill establishes New York's "Medical Aid in Dying Act," allowing terminally ill adults (18+) with decision-making capacity to request and self-administer medication to end their life. To qualify, a patient must have a terminal illness confirmed by two physicians (the attending physician and a consulting physician) and make an informed decision after being fully informed of alternatives, risks, and outcomes. The process requires an oral request, a written request signed by the patient and witnessed by two non-conflicted adults (not relatives or beneficiaries), and includes the right to rescind the request at any time. The bill also mandates documentation, safe disposal of unused medication, and state reporting.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes patient rights in end-of-life care, allowing terminally ill adults to request medication for a peaceful death under physician supervision, aligning with healthcare patient rights protection.90% confidence

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5773: Authorizes licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for their services

This bill amends New York's Social Services Law to allow licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for their services, rather than requiring them to work through another provider. It specifically adds creative arts therapists to the list of mental health professionals (including mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists) already permitted to bill Medicaid for covered services within their scope of practice. The change applies only to services Medicaid already covers, and does not alter the therapists' existing scope of practice. The bill was referred to the Health committee on February 20, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid billing access for creative arts therapists (mental health professionals), improving patient access to covered services within their scope of practice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicaid Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 610: Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools

Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires development of health/mental health professional ratios in schools, enhancing student access to support services beyond IDEA coverage, aligning with student program improvement indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates development of mental health professional-to-student ratios in schools, directly expanding access to mental health services for students outside IDEA coverage.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 26, 2026

S 2619: Expands insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization

New York's S 2619 requires large employer health insurance plans to cover up to three cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for infertility treatment. This applies to policies providing comprehensive medical coverage, with coverage subject to standard deductibles and co-payments like other benefits. The bill removes prior restrictions limiting IVF coverage to three cycles, mandating insurers to include it as part of infertility treatment. It defines a "cycle" as either fresh or frozen embryo transfer procedures under medical guidelines. The law does not cover experimental treatments or other excluded procedures listed in the bill.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates coverage of IVF under employer insurance, expanding access to infertility treatment and aligning with healthcare coverage expansion indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4012: Requires notification to insureds that an out-of-network physician may be used in their procedure, test or surgery

Requires notification to insureds that an out-of-network physician may be used in their procedure, test or surgery and such physician's services shall not be covered by their insurance policy; provides such services must be covered if the insured person does not receive notification prior to such services or procedure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurer notification to prevent uncovered out-of-network services, protecting patients from unexpected costs and ensuring coverage when not notified.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4259: Relates to the establishment of a healthy birth grant demonstration program; excludes healthy birth grants from income for certain purposes

This bill creates a $1,800 grant for new parents receiving medical assistance during pregnancy, paid per child to households with eligible new parents. It specifically ensures these grants are excluded from income calculations for state programs like SNAP, Medicaid, home energy assistance, and tax benefits. The grant is also exempt from state and local income taxes. The program is structured as a demonstration initiative to test this approach while coordinating with existing public benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes grants from income calculations for SNAP/Medicaid and exempts from state income tax, providing tax relief for lower-income families receiving medical assistance.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExcludes $1,800 birth grant from income calculations for Medicaid/SNAP, preventing reduced eligibility and supporting access to healthcare benefits.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 489: Refers individuals to appropriate service providers for substance use disorders

Refers individuals to appropriate service providers that are able to provide services to such individual within seventy-two hours for substance use disorders.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates timely referrals for substance use disorder treatment, improving patient access to healthcare services within 72 hours.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2359: Relates to modifications and exceptions to case payment reimbursement rates for neoplastic disease care hospitals

Provides per diem rates of payment by governmental agencies for inpatient services provided by facilities designated by the federal department of health and human services as exempt extended neoplastic disease care hospitals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes per diem reimbursement rates for cancer care hospitals, ensuring funding for specialized services and improving access to neoplastic disease treatment.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6140: Includes doulas as medical services providers for Medicaid recipients

Includes doulas as medical services providers for Medicaid recipients; directs the commissioner of health to submit an application for amendments and waivers to add doulas to such coverage pursuant to section 363-e of the social services law; directs the commissioner of health and the commissioner of the office of children and family services to add, amend and/or repeal any rule or regulation necessary.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage to include doula services, increasing access to maternal health care for recipients by directing coverage expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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