Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 306: Permits payment of testing performed or medications obtained out of network at the negotiated network rate

Provides that a non-network pharmacy that provides causally related medications to a claimant shall be entitled to payment at the network rate negotiated between the carrier and the pharmacy network if the carrier's network provides mail order service or is located within a reasonable distance from the claimant; reduces costs of treatment by requiring out of network providers accept payment at the carrier's negotiated network rate, while at the same time allowing injured workers to obtain treatment in a timely manner by providing for payment to the provider when they do not obtain the treatment within the network; provides that any special diagnostic tests, x-ray examinations, magnetic resonance imaging or other radiological examinations or tests costing more than one thousand dollars performed by a provider who is not a member of the carrier's, self insured's or state insurance fund's diagnostic networks, shall be entitled to payment at the negotiated network rate.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates out-of-network providers accept negotiated network rates for medications/testing, reducing patient costs and improving access for injured workers per bill summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6645: Ties the cost of living adjustment for pharmaceutical insurance coverage to the consumer price index

Ties the cost of living adjustment for pharmaceutical insurance coverage to the consumer price index; establishes that such adjustment shall occur on an annual basis.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTies pharmaceutical insurance cost adjustments to CPI, preventing coverage erosion from inflation and protecting patient access to medication coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6764: Relates to reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers

Requires certain information to be included in every pharmacy benefit manager's annual report to the superintendent such as the aggregated dollar amount of rebates, fees, price protection payments and any other payments the pharmacy benefit manager received from drug manufacturers through rebate contract, the amount of certain allocations, and information on rebate contracts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates transparency for pharmacy benefit managers on rebates/fees, aiming to improve accountability in drug pricing and insurance coverage - key healthcare cost drivers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 17, 2025

A 6887: Relates to contracted network pharmacy use

This bill (A 6887) gives workers with compensation claims the right to choose their own pharmacy for prescribed medications when their employer or insurance company fails to authorize the medication within 72 hours for specific reasons - such as refusal to pay, delays in reauthorization due to missing medical reports, or disputes over treatment guidelines. It directly affects injured workers who face medication access barriers through the employer's contracted pharmacy network. Pharmacies dispensing medications under this provision must follow state fee schedules, medical treatment guidelines, and formulary rules, and will be paid within 45 days of approval. The law aims to prevent medication delays while ensuring cost accountability for both workers and insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures injured workers access prescribed meds by allowing pharmacy choice when employer/insurance delays, improving patient access and protecting rights in healthcare coverage.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects injured workers' medication access by allowing pharmacy choice when employer/insurer fails to authorize within 72 hours, strengthening compensation rights and workplace safety access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 5152: Relates to registered pharmacy technicians

Authorizes registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists under direct supervision of such licensed pharmacist.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations under supervision, expanding access to preventive healthcare services without requiring additional provider visits.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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signed · New York · Senate Sep 26, 2025

S 6757: Relates to statewide opioid settlement agreements

Clarifies that certain provisions related to statewide opioid settlement agreements shall cover settlements and releases related to any entities involved in the prescription drug marketing, supply and payment chain that may have contributed to the opioid epidemic through illegal conduct.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies settlement scope to cover opioid epidemic contributors, enabling broader use of funds for public health programs (a healthcare topic).80% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Public Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7373: Establishes under the direction of the state board of pharmacy a drug repository program

Establishes under the direction of the state board of pharmacy a drug repository program to accept and dispense donated prescription drugs; authorizes such board and the commissioner of health to promulgate rules and regulations; makes definitions; exempts such persons or entities who dispense such donated drugs from criminal or tort liability or professional disciplinary action.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates drug repository program to increase access to donated prescription drugs, enhancing patient access to medications without cost barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 5939: Relates to payments by a pharmacy benefit manager to participating pharmacies

Requires a pharmacy benefit manager to pay a participating pharmacy at minimum at the national average drug acquisition cost (NADAC) rate, or at the pharmacy acquisition cost rate if greater or there is not a NADAC rate, plus a professional dispensing fee that is at minimum the professional dispensing fee paid under the state medical assistance program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires PBMs to pay pharmacies fair rates (NADAC or higher), preventing underpayment that could restrict medication access and protect pharmacy viability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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vetoed · New York · Senate Dec 5, 2025

S 4926: Relates to contracted network pharmacy use

This bill (S 4926) gives injured workers in New York State the right to choose their own pharmacy for prescribed medications under specific circumstances, directly affecting workers receiving workers' compensation. It allows them to bypass the employer/carrier's contracted pharmacy if payment is denied within 72 hours or if reauthorization fails for reasons like missing medical reports, disputes over treatment guidelines, or case settlement delays. Pharmacies dispensing medication under this provision must follow the state’s pharmacy fee schedule, medical treatment guidelines, and formulary, and assume liability for costs if the medication isn’t later approved. The bill was passed by the state legislature in June 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on December 5, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGives injured workers pharmacy choice when denied, improving access to medications under workers' comp, directly protecting patient rights and access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill grants injured workers right to choose pharmacy when denied by employer, protecting access to medications under workers' comp, advancing employment benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6002: Directs the commissioner of health to promulgate and implement rules authorizing the use of automated patient dispensing and storage systems at certain facilities

Directs the commissioner of health, in consultation with the commissioner of education, the commissioner of mental health, the commissioner of corrections and community supervision and the state board of pharmacy, to promulgate and implement rules and regulations authorizing the use of automated patient dispensing and storage systems for distribution of prescription and non-prescription drugs and medical devices at certain facilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes automated drug dispensing systems in healthcare facilities, improving medication access and efficiency for patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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