Asm. Amy Paulin

Establishes a mandated window of five business days for both Medicaid and private insurers to respond to pre-authorization claims for testing and/or treatments made by physicians on behalf of oncology patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in New York to cover asthma inhalers at no cost to the patient. It applies to individual plans, group health policies, and medical expense indemnity corporations that include coverage for physician services. The law mandates that these plans must provide the inhalers without charging a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. Coverage is available when a physician or other licensed healthcare provider legally authorized to prescribe recommends or prescribes the inhaler. The changes take effect immediately and apply to all policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all public colleges and universities in the state provide menstrual products free of charge in their restrooms. The law requires schools to stock these items in school buildings without charging students for them. It applies immediately to every public institution of higher education within the jurisdiction.

Requires insurers to provide coverage for tattooing of the nipple-areolar complex pursuant to or as part of breast reconstruction surgery if such tattooing is performed by a physician or other health care practitioner working within their scope of practice.

Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road to give up their legal ability to claim immunity from lawsuits, making them subject to the same federal railroad laws that apply to other rail companies. It also extends these rules to any other commuter railroads owned by New York municipalities, covering areas like worker safety, retirement benefits, and discrimination. The changes apply immediately and cover any current lawsuits against these railroads.

Provides that the amount of a STAR real property tax savings may not be less than the amount of the STAR real property tax savings from the previous year.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the maximum amount of money justice courts can handle in small claims cases from $3,000 to $5,000, excluding interest and costs. It also updates the fees required to file these claims, increasing the cost for smaller claims from $10 to $15 and for larger claims from $15 to $20. The changes apply to individuals and businesses filing suits in justice courts for monetary recovery or property disputes within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides legal protection from lawsuits for individuals who forcibly enter a locked car to rescue an unsupervised child under eight years old believed to be in immediate danger. To qualify for this immunity, the person must act reasonably and in good faith, ensure no other way exists to reach the child, and use no more force than necessary. The law also requires the rescuer to contact emergency services before or immediately after entry and to stay with the child until police or firefighters arrive. This protection does not extend to any medical aid provided beyond the act of removing the child from the vehicle.

Establishes a reproductive health services training and education grant program to ensure health care providers receive adequate training in abortion care.