Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8969: Requires health insurers to provide coverage for speech therapy for stuttering

This bill (S 8969) requires all health insurers in New York to cover speech therapy for stuttering under medical, major medical, or similar comprehensive insurance plans. It mandates coverage upon a physician's referral for both habilitative (developing speech skills) and rehabilitative (restoring speech) therapy, provided by licensed professionals. Insurers cannot impose limits on the number of therapy visits or set maximum benefit amounts for this coverage. The bill specifically allows insurers to deny coverage if therapy is already provided through school-based plans (like IEPs or IFSPs), but requires supplemental coverage outside of schools when recommended by a doctor.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to cover stuttering speech therapy without visit limits, expanding essential healthcare access for patients.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 10030: Requires health insurers to provide coverage for speech therapy for stuttering

This bill requires health insurers in New York to cover speech therapy for stuttering, directly affecting people with stuttering who need this treatment. Insurers must cover all costs for therapy (including both habilitative and rehabilitative treatment) when recommended by a physician, with no limits on the number of visits or duration. Coverage may be denied only if therapy is already provided through school-based education plans (like IEPs), but insurers must still cover supplemental therapy outside of school settings when a physician refers the patient. The law applies to all individual, group, and health service corporation insurance policies issued or renewed after its effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for speech therapy for stuttering, expanding access to necessary treatment without visit limits or duration restrictions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 8482: Prohibits insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market

Prohibits insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on a claim that such workers have voluntarily withdrawn from the labor market by not seeking alternate employment that their injury or illness does not preclude them from performing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents denial of healthcare benefits for injured workers, ensuring continued access to necessary care by prohibiting withholding benefits based on labor market attachment.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits withholding benefits from injured workers not seeking alternate jobs they can perform, directly protecting workers' rights and benefits under employment standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 845: Establishes the "Maternal Health, Dignity and Consent act"

Prohibits drug, cannabis or alcohol testing of pregnant or postpartum individuals and newborns unless the individual consents and it is within the scope of medical care, or the testing is necessary for a medical emergency.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits non-consensual drug/alcohol testing for pregnant/postpartum individuals, protecting patient rights in maternal healthcare per bill's explicit consent requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 5313: Relates to addressing non-covered dental services

Addresses non-covered dental services by requiring all policies providing coverage of and all contracts for dental services issued to include a disclosure stating that a participating provider may charge their normal fee for services that are not covered; requires a cost estimate to be provided.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires disclosure and cost estimates for non-covered dental services, protecting patients from unexpected charges in insurance coverage.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 9140: Provides liability protections for health care providers who issue vaccines

Provides liability protections for health care providers who issue vaccines so long as such vaccination does not arise out of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides liability protections for vaccine providers, encouraging vaccine administration and reducing legal barriers to healthcare access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 6376: Prohibits insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market

Prohibits insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on a claim that such workers have voluntarily withdrawn from the labor market by not seeking alternate employment that their injury or illness does not preclude them from performing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents denial of workers' compensation benefits tied to insurance coverage, protecting injured workers' access to healthcare benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents withholding benefits from injured workers not seeking alternate work they're capable of, protecting their rights and benefits under Labor & Employment.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 5900: Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent prescription substance use disorder

Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent prescription substance use disorder.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDistributes educational materials on opioid misuse in high-abuse counties, a public health initiative addressing addiction prevention within healthcare topic area.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8364: Relates to the administration of reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections

Relates to the administration of reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections; provides that no pharmacist shall administer reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections without receiving training satisfactory to the commissioner of education and the commissioner of health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires pharmacist training for contraceptive injections, enabling safe access to reproductive healthcare services within pharmacy settings.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 9001: Establishes a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program

Directs the commissioner of the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services to establish a program for individuals to receive free drug test strips to detect the presence of medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants; directs the commissioner of the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services, in cooperation with the commissioner of the department of health, to develop and conduct a public awareness and educational campaign on the dangers of medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes free drug test strips and public awareness campaign to detect harmful contaminants, advancing public health initiatives by preventing drug-related health risks.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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