Healthcare

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5309: Relates to directing the commissioner of health to issue a statewide standing order for the provision of doula services

This bill requires New York's health commissioner to create a statewide standing order allowing healthcare providers to offer doula services without individual patient authorization. It directly affects pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals (up to 12 months after birth) by enabling access to doula support through existing healthcare systems. The key mechanism is a non-patient-specific order that streamlines provider access to doula services, removing barriers to coverage. The bill aims to integrate doula care into standard maternal health support without requiring separate patient consent for each service.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes authorization barriers for doula services, improving access to healthcare for pregnant/postpartum individuals through existing systems, directly advancing patient access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7569: Directs the department of financial services to study health insurance coverage through the Marketplace

Directs the department of financial services to study health insurance coverage through the Marketplace, including collecting data on how many people are insured, and studying the feasibility of creating programs, subsidies, and/or tax credits to help expand health care coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs study to expand coverage via subsidies/credits, aligning with support indicators for expanding health care access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 3820: Requires health insurance policies include coverage for anesthesia for the duration of a medical procedure

Requires health insurance policies include coverage for anesthesia for the entire duration of a procedure for which a licensed medical practitioner has issued an order for such anesthesia.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for anesthesia duration, expanding patient access to essential medical services without restrictions95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 3155: Relates to insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization

This bill (S 3155) requires health insurers to provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage without discrimination. It prohibits insurers from denying or limiting IVF coverage based on factors like age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or perceived quality of life. The bill specifically bans insurers from requiring all embryos from a previous IVF cycle to be transferred before covering a subsequent cycle for women aged 35 or older. These changes directly affect individuals seeking IVF treatment by expanding access and preventing discriminatory practices in insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates IVF insurance coverage without discrimination, expanding access to reproductive healthcare services and protecting patient rights per bill requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 6895: Relates to high deductible health plans and health savings accounts

This bill clarifies cost-sharing rules for health plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). It ensures that for HSA-qualified high-deductible plans, cost-sharing requirements (like copays) don't make enrollees ineligible for HSAs. Specifically, cost-sharing only applies after an enrollee meets the IRS's minimum deductible, except for preventive care services, which always have no cost-sharing regardless of the deductible. This directly affects individuals enrolled in such health plans who use HSAs to save for medical expenses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill clarifies cost-sharing rules to maintain HSA eligibility, protecting a healthcare financing tool that helps patients manage costs without restricting coverage.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5314: Establishes patient safety and quality assurance measures regarding the distribution of patient-specific medication from an insurer-designated pharmacy

Establishes patient safety and quality assurance measures regarding the distribution of patient-specific medication from an insurer-designated pharmacy; prohibits certain "brown bagging" and "white bagging" policies regarding pharmacy provided medications.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurer policies restricting medication access (brown/white bagging), enhancing patient safety and access to prescribed medications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1628: Requires the coverage of alternative treatment options by the medical assistance program and private insurers

Requires that non-pharmaceutical alternative treatment options including but not limited to treatment provided by a licensed acupuncturist, licensed massage therapist, licensed chiropractor, and yoga instructor be covered by the medical assistance program and by private health insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates coverage of alternative treatments (acupuncture, chiropractic) by insurers and medical assistance, expanding health coverage and access to non-pharmaceutical care.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2695: Requires certain health insurance plans cover annual electrocardiograms for covered children under the age of nineteen

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover annual electrocardiogram (EKG) tests and their interpretation for children under 19 years old. It directly affects insured children and their families by mandating this specific preventive heart screening as part of standard pediatric care. The key provision adds EKG coverage as a required service at each well-child visit, with more frequent testing allowed if a physician orders it based on clinical judgment. This policy change ensures insurance coverage for this heart screening without requiring additional patient costs, applying to all policies issued after the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for preventive pediatric EKGs, expanding access to heart screenings for children under 19 as part of standard care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 5263: Provides that coverage for outpatient diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder shall not be subject to preauthorization

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover outpatient diagnosis and treatment for substance use disorder - including detoxification and rehabilitation - without preauthorization. It applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive insurance policies. The law prohibits insurers from applying stricter financial limits or treatment restrictions to substance use disorder care than those used for standard medical or surgical services. This change aims to reduce administrative barriers for people seeking treatment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves administrative barriers to substance use treatment, advancing rehabilitation programs aligned with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves preauthorization barriers for substance use disorder treatment, ensuring equal coverage standards and improving patient access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Insurance Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 13, 2025

S 7297: Relates to utilization review program standards and pre-authorization for certain health care services

Relates to utilization review program standards; requires use of evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria; relates to prescription drug formulary changes and pre-authorization for certain health care services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires evidence-based clinical criteria for utilization review/pre-authorization, standardizing care access and preventing arbitrary denials, aligning with improved patient access indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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