This bill expands the legal definition of "personal identifying information" to explicitly include medical information and health insurance details. It directly affects individuals whose medical history, treatment records, or health insurance policy numbers could be misused, as these now count as sensitive data under identity theft laws. Key provisions add specific definitions: "medical information" covers health history and treatment, while "health insurance information" includes policy numbers and claims history. The bill modifies existing penal, business, and technology laws to incorporate these changes, removing prior related provisions through repeal. This update strengthens protections by making unauthorized use of health data prosecutable under current identity theft statutes.
This bill requires health insurance plans to cover at least one abuse-deterrent opioid pain medication per active ingredient, ensuring patients can access FDA-approved options designed to reduce misuse. It limits cost-sharing (like copays) for these drugs to the same level as non-abuse-deterrent opioids, preventing insurers from increasing patient costs to comply. The law also prohibits prior authorization rules from forcing prescribers to use non-abuse-deterrent opioids to access safer alternatives. It directly affects patients prescribed opioids, insurers, and healthcare providers by mandating equitable coverage for abuse-deterrent formulations. The policy applies to all opioid analgesics approved by the FDA with abuse-deterrent labeling.
This bill (S 987) requires health insurance plans to cover at least one abuse-deterrent opioid pain medication per active ingredient, ensuring patients can access FDA-approved options designed to reduce misuse. It prohibits higher copays or deductibles for these medications compared to standard opioids and bans prior authorization rules that force patients to try non-abuse-deterrent opioids first. The law applies to all insurance plans covering opioid pain medications, directly affecting patients, insurers, and healthcare providers. Key provisions mandate equal cost-sharing for abuse-deterrent and non-abuse-deterrent versions and prevent insurers from adding financial barriers to access these medications. The bill takes effect 120 days after enactment for new or renewed insurance policies.
This bill requires health insurance plans in New York to cover the full cost of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine, adding it to the list of mandatory immunizations insurers must reimburse. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients by mandating coverage for this specific vaccine alongside others like measles, polio, and tetanus. The key mechanism amends insurance law to explicitly include "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" in the required vaccine coverage list, meeting U.S. public health standards. It also allows certified pharmacists to administer these vaccines in pharmacies. The law applies to insurance contracts effective January 1 after enactment.
This bill requires insurance companies to cover at least 90 days of rehabilitation services at a facility when a doctor prescribes it. It directly affects insured individuals needing rehabilitation by mandating this coverage duration in health insurance policies. Key provisions add specific language to insurance law, requiring coverage for 90 days of facility-based rehab with a doctor's referral, and apply to policies issued or renewed after the law takes effect. The requirement applies to new policies and renewals starting 90 days after enactment.
This bill (S 4123) ensures healthcare providers can continue using independent dispute resolution (IDR) to challenge payment rates from insurers. It directly affects doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who are not contracted ("non-participating") with health insurance plans. The bill amends criteria that IDR entities must use when setting fair payment rates, requiring them to consider factors like provider qualifications, usual charges for similar services, regional rates for non-participating providers, and service complexity. These changes clarify how disputes over payment rates will be resolved, maintaining access to the IDR process.
Requires that medicaid and health insurance plans provide coverage for costs of prescription smoking cessation treatment that is ordered by a physician; establishes a coverage limit for each covered individual.
Bill S 5565 requires health insurance policies, including comprehensive-type coverage, and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services. This coverage is for individuals facing serious health conditions expected to last at least three months, who are at high risk for outcomes like hospitalization or physical decline. Patient navigation services include screening for nonclinical needs such as transportation or housing, connecting individuals to support services, and assisting with healthcare appointments. Reimbursement is provided to trained and certified patient navigators who work under the general supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
This bill (A 7339) requires most health insurance plans in New York to cover fertility preservation services when a medical treatment (like cancer therapy) may cause infertility. It directly affects insured individuals undergoing treatments that risk reproductive health, such as chemotherapy or surgery. Key provisions mandate coverage for standard fertility preservation (e.g., egg or sperm freezing) with possible deductibles, while prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on health conditions like anticipated infertility or personal characteristics (age, gender identity, sexual orientation). The law applies to comprehensive medical insurance policies and takes effect immediately.
This bill (S 2704) requires health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), including HIV. It applies to all medical, hospital, and surgical insurance policies, directly affecting insurers and policyholders who use these self-collection kits. The law defines covered kits as those recommended by the CDC or U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, cleared by the FDA, or developed under strict quality standards for remote STI testing. This mandate takes effect 90 days after enactment for new or renewed policies.
