Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10512: Authorizes payments to nonparticipating or nonpreferred providers of medical services

This bill requires health insurance companies to pay medical bills directly to doctors and clinics that are not part of their preferred networks, provided the provider has submitted a valid claim and assignment of benefits. Under the new rules, insurers must cover these services at negotiated rates or, if no agreement exists, at the provider's usual and customary charges as long as they are not excessive. The legislation also prohibits non-network providers from asking patients for upfront payments before the insurance company has processed and approved the claim. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to any medical claims submitted after that date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access by requiring insurers to pay non-network providers, protecting patient rights to choose their doctors.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate May 6, 2026

J 2045: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 11-17, 2025, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week in the State of New York

This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate May 11-17, 2025, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Week to highlight the condition affecting millions of people. The resolution aims to draw public attention to fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder that often leads to delayed diagnoses and misunderstandings among medical professionals and the general public. By proclaiming this specific week, the legislation seeks to encourage greater awareness and support for patients dealing with symptoms like fatigue, widespread pain, and sleep disorders. Copies of the resolution will be sent to relevant state health agencies and advocacy groups to help promote the cause.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes fibromyalgia awareness to improve patient understanding and reduce diagnostic delays, supporting healthcare access and patient rights.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 4, 2026

A 11261: Relates to eligibility for accidental disability benefits under the heart bill

Allows a one-year window for application for a disability retirement for members of the New York state and local employees' retirement system or the New York state and local police and fire retirement system who retired from service on or after January 1, 2021 due to heart disease; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill extends disability retirement eligibility for heart disease, protecting access to benefits for affected public employees.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands disability retirement eligibility for public safety workers, strengthening worker benefits and protections.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 8, 2026

A 10873: Relates to peripheral artery disease

This bill mandates that health insurance policies in the state cover treatment for peripheral artery disease, a condition affecting blood flow to the limbs. It specifically requires coverage for individuals with comprehensive medical plans and prescription drug benefits, including those held by medical expense indemnity corporations and health service corporations. The law applies to all policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after January 1, 2027, ensuring that new and existing contracts meet this requirement.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for peripheral artery disease treatment, expanding access and protecting patient rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 10278: Relates to the practice of pharmacy and administration of immunizations

This bill allows licensed pharmacists to administer flu shots to individuals who are nine years old or older. It achieves this by adding a new provision to the state's education law that explicitly grants pharmacists this authority. The law will not take effect immediately but will begin ninety days after it is officially signed into law. This change aims to increase access to flu vaccinations by expanding the range of healthcare professionals who can provide them.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to flu vaccinations by allowing pharmacists to administer them, improving patient care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 10299: Relates to prescribing sodium chloride nebulizer solution

This bill allows licensed physicians to write general orders for sodium chloride nebulizer solution that are not tied to a specific patient. Under this new provision, a doctor can instruct a licensed pharmacist to dispense the saline solution based on these standing orders rather than requiring a new prescription for each individual. The legislation requires that such orders follow rules set by the state commissioner and align with existing public health laws. It directly impacts doctors, pharmacists, and the administration of respiratory treatments in healthcare settings. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill streamlines access to essential medical supplies by allowing standing orders for saline solutions, improving patient care efficiency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10383: Requires arrested individuals to be given a mental health evaluation form

Requires the office of mental health to create a mental health evaluation form to determine whether arrested individuals have the proper mental capacity to make decisions regarding their arrest; requires arrested individuals to be given such mental health evaluation form; directs that if an individual fails such mental health evaluation, a representative will be appointed for such individual regarding arrest proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates mental health evaluations for arrestees, protecting civil rights and enhancing accountability by ensuring proper capacity assessment before legal proceedings.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mental health evaluations for arrested individuals, directly supporting mental health services and protecting patient rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11235: Relates to requiring insurers participating in the NY state of health marketplace to offer at least one dental plan for individuals age 65 and older

This bill requires insurance companies selling plans through New York's state health marketplace to provide at least one dental plan option for people aged 65 and older. The rule applies specifically to insurers offering Silver and Gold level health plans and mandates that the dental coverage be approved by the state's financial services department. The legislation includes a provision allowing the marketplace to ask insurers to offer additional benefit levels in the future. This change would directly impact seniors enrolled in state-subsidized health insurance who currently may not have access to dental coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurers to offer dental plans for seniors, expanding coverage and improving patient access to essential health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 20, 2026

K 1138: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026 as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in the State of New York

This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize October 2026 as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in the state. The resolution highlights the importance of raising awareness about spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the spinal column and brain, and notes the high medical costs and challenges faced by those living with the condition. By designating this month for awareness, the bill aims to educate the public and support individuals with spina bifida and their families.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes awareness of spina bifida, highlighting medical challenges and aiming to educate the public to support affected individuals.65% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11204: Relates to health and social services practitioners included under the health care proxy law, the family health care decisions act, and nonhospital orders not to resuscitate

Adds licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists to the health and social services practitioners included under the health care proxy law, the family health care decisions act, and nonhospital orders not to resuscitate.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands legal authority for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, enhancing patient access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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