Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8352: Requires insurance coverage of outpatient problem gambling services

This bill requires health insurance companies to cover outpatient treatment for problem gambling as part of substance use disorder services. It applies to all medical, major medical, or comprehensive insurance policies sold in New York. The law mandates that coverage for problem gambling cannot have stricter financial limits (like higher copays) or treatment restrictions than those applied to standard medical or surgical care. This ensures gambling treatment is covered on par with other medical services without additional barriers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for problem gambling treatment as part of mental health services, ensuring parity with medical care and expanding access to behavioral health treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 5, 2025

A 812: Requires certain types of insurance cover certain allergen introduction dietary supplements

This bill requires most health insurance plans covering preventative care to pay for two specific infant dietary supplements designed to reduce food allergy risks: one containing safe, well-cooked egg protein and another with safe peanut protein. The supplements must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for infants under medical guidance. It applies to all individual and group health insurance policies offering comprehensive coverage for preventative and primary care services. The law would take effect January 1st following enactment, mandating coverage for these supplements without requiring prior authorization from insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for preventative allergy-reduction supplements, expanding access to essential healthcare services under preventative care requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Primary Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4380: Limits the off label use of antipsychotic drugs on elderly patients with dementia

Limits the off label use of antipsychotic drugs with black box warnings on elderly patients with dementia; provides for professional misconduct for any health care professional who uses such drug on such patient.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestricts harmful off-label drug use on vulnerable dementia patients, aligning with patient safety protections in healthcare policy.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5964: Relates to health care proxy information on driver's licenses

This bill adds space on New York driver's licenses for health care proxy information. It requires the back of every license to include the statement: "If you have completed a health care proxy form, you may list your health care agent here:" followed by space for the agent's name and contact details. The change directly affects all driver's license holders who have designated a health care proxy, allowing them to easily reference their proxy on a commonly carried document without altering existing proxy laws or requiring new fees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds healthcare proxy info space on licenses, enabling easier patient access to healthcare decision-making and protecting patient rights without altering coverage or funding.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4094: Requires public school students to be screened for eating disorders

Includes that health certificates furnished by each student upon their entrance into school shall include an assessment of the student for eating disorders pursuant to the assessment standards established by the commissioner of health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates school health screenings for eating disorders (mental health), advancing preventive healthcare services within public health programs.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2025

S 790: Relates to veteran maternity care; and relates to the effectiveness of a chapter relating thereto

This bill establishes a maternity care coordinator role to improve coordination of healthcare for pregnant and postpartum veterans. The coordinator will work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state health agencies, hospitals, and providers to connect veterans with maternity care services, share information about mental and physical health conditions affecting pregnancy, and promote the Veterans Community Care Program. It amends existing law to require this coordination, including disseminating resources to healthcare providers about veteran-specific care needs and referral systems for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill directly affects veterans receiving maternity care and the healthcare providers who serve them.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes maternity care coordinator to improve VA veteran access to services, coordinate care with providers, and promote community care program - directly advancing healthcare access for vulnerable population.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes maternity care coordinator to improve VA healthcare coordination for veterans, promoting access to services and mental/physical health support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health Military Families Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 255: Relates to access to nursing home residents by essential caregivers

This bill requires nursing homes to provide daily in-person access to designated essential caregivers during visitation restrictions (e.g., public health emergencies). Essential caregivers - defined as individuals designated by residents (or their representatives if residents cannot decide) to assist with daily needs or emotional support - must be allowed access unless they violate safety protocols. Nursing homes must issue written warnings for protocol violations before denying access and provide a 24-hour written explanation for denials, including appeal options. An appeals process mandates the health department to investigate denials within 48 hours and may impose fines up to $5,000 for noncompliance. The law takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnsures nursing home residents' access to essential caregivers during health emergencies, improving patient access and rights in healthcare facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1936: Relates to prior authorization and payments from the medical indemnity fund

Requires any regulation that mandates prior authorization to establish a mechanism for submission of requests for prior authorization by health care providers directly to the medical indemnity fund; requires the medical indemnity fund administrator to notify qualified plaintiffs which costs are qualifying health care costs to be paid from the fund and which are not within a reasonably prompt period of time.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines prior authorization process for medical indemnity fund payments, ensuring timely notification of covered costs to improve patient access.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4253: Establishes duties for pharmacies when pharmacists employed by such pharmacy refuse to fill prescriptions on the basis of personal beliefs

Establishes duties for pharmacies when pharmacists employed by such pharmacy refuse to fill prescriptions on the basis of personal beliefs; requires a pharmacy to ensure the prescription is filled by another pharmacist; requires the pharmacy to inform individuals of items not in stock; requires such items to be ordered by another pharmacist without delay; sets forth penalty provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires pharmacies to ensure prescriptions are filled by another pharmacist when refused due to personal beliefs, directly improving patient access to medications and protecting healthcare rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 5969: Creates the substance use disorder treatment bill of rights to be posted in a conspicuous place in all treatment facilities

S 5969 requires all substance use disorder treatment facilities to post a "treatment bill of rights" in visible locations and provide a copy to every patient at admission. This bill of rights outlines 10 specific patient rights, including the right to participate in treatment planning, receive clear explanations of services, maintain privacy, and report grievances. It directly affects patients receiving treatment and facility staff, who must also receive copies of the document. The law mandates these postings and distributions without altering existing treatment standards, focusing solely on transparency and patient awareness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes patient rights in substance use treatment facilities, directly supporting rehabilitation programs and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of improving treatment quality and patient autonomy.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires treatment facilities to post patient rights including participation, privacy, and grievance reporting for substance use disorder care, directly protecting patient rights in mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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