Healthcare (Insurance)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3555: Relates to establishing the expanded pharmaceutical insurance coverage panel

Relates to improving and expanding the pharmaceutical insurance coverage program for certain medicare enrollees; creates the expanded pharmaceutical insurance coverage panel, to be responsible for expanding pharmaceutical insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates panel to expand pharmaceutical insurance coverage for Medicare enrollees, directly advancing medication access and coverage expansion per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6549: Relates to insurance coverage for medical marihuana

This New York bill requires state health programs (like Medicaid) to cover medical marijuana as a prescription drug under specific laws, but does not mandate coverage for private insurance plans. It clarifies that medical marijuana dispensed legally should not be classified as a "drug" in school policies. The law directly affects patients using medical marijuana under New York's program and impacts coverage in state-run health programs, including Medicaid and elder care benefits. Private insurers remain free to decide whether to cover medical marijuana.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid/state programs to cover medical marijuana, expanding patient access to prescribed treatment under healthcare coverage policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Long-Term Care Medicaid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3249: Requires insurance policies to provide coverage for medically necessary hearing aids purchased from hearing aid dispensers

This bill requires health insurance policies in New York to cover medically necessary hearing aids for children under 18. It mandates coverage for devices purchased from registered hearing aid dispensers or licensed audiologists, including services like recasing and new molds. Coverage is limited to one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 24 months, unless a child's hearing changes significantly within that period. Insurance plans may still apply standard deductibles or copayments for this coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for hearing aids, expanding access to medically necessary hearing care for children under 18.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6132: Relates to the mandatory coverage of hearing aids by insurers and other organizations

Requires coverage for hearing aids for patients who are covered under a policy or contract of insurance if the hearing aids are fitted and dispensed by a licensed audiologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association following medical clearance by a physician licensed to practice medicine and an audiological evaluation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for hearing aids under specific medical conditions, expanding health coverage access for patients requiring audiological services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 1, 2026

S 5047: Provides for offering reward or incentive programs

S 5047 allows health insurers and certain corporations to offer reward programs for wellness, preventative care, and health management initiatives to policyholders. The bill permits incentives like discounts or cash rewards, but caps total annual value at $600 per insured member. It also permits insurers to adjust premiums to reflect commission costs within ranges filed with regulators, without violating existing anti-inducement rules. This applies specifically to accident and health insurance policies, not life insurance, and excludes certain community-rated policies. The law aims to support health-focused programs while maintaining clear financial limits for insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables wellness/reward programs for preventative care, promoting healthier behaviors and aligning with healthcare access goals without restricting coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7311: Requires certain health insurance policies and contracts to provide coverage for human leukocyte antigen testing for use in tissue typing for bone marrow testing

Requires certain health insurance policies and contracts to provide coverage for human leukocyte antigen testing, also referred to as histocompatible locus antigen testing, for A, B, and DR antigens, for utilization in tissue typing for bone marrow testing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for HLA testing in bone marrow transplants, expanding patient access to necessary medical procedures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3346: Establishes a health care disparities data collection system

This bill establishes a state-mandated health care disparities data collection system under New York's Public Health Law. It requires health insurers and healthcare entities (like hospitals and nursing homes) to annually collect and submit data on health outcomes related to race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, disability status, and sexual orientation. The collected data will be compiled into an annual consumer guide, integrated with existing health plan shopping guides, to help individuals compare how well health plans address disparities. The guide must present data clearly and facilitate public access to this information at no cost.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires data collection on health disparities to inform equity efforts, advancing healthcare access for marginalized groups.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3645: Requires health insurance policies to include coverage of optional anesthesia for certain contraceptive and menstrual health procedures

Requires health insurance policies to include coverage of optional anesthesia for certain contraceptive and menstrual health procedures including, but not limited to, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, colposcopy, ablation, and intrauterine device insertion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for anesthesia during contraceptive/mental health procedures, expanding access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2025

S 774: Requires certain health insurance policies to cover scalp cooling systems for the preservation of hair during cancer chemotherapy treatment; repealer

Requires certain large group health insurance policies and contracts to cover scalp cooling systems for the preservation of hair during cancer chemotherapy treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy, expanding health insurance benefits and improving patient access to cancer treatment support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6295: Requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for epi-pens for individuals 18 years old and younger

This bill requires health insurance plans in New York to cover epi-pens (epinephrine auto-injectors) for individuals under 18 years old when medically necessary. It applies to all individual, group, and certain health corporation insurance policies delivered in the state. Insurers must provide this coverage upon request by the insured or covered person. The requirement takes effect 90 days after the bill becomes law and applies to new contracts or renewals after that date. This directly affects insurers and children/teens with severe allergies requiring emergency epinephrine treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for epi-pens under 18, expanding access to critical allergy treatment and protecting patient rights for medically necessary care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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