Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3974: Creates the office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access

This bill creates an independent office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access in New York. The ombudsperson will directly assist New Yorkers - especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, or navigating complex coverage - with resolving issues related to mental health and substance use disorder care access, including complaints about insurers or providers. Key provisions include the ombudsperson operating autonomously (with independent hiring and budget control), helping consumers file appeals, tracking violations of treatment rules, and reporting annually to state officials on access challenges. The office will not make policy changes but will serve as a neutral resource to navigate existing systems and connect people to appropriate support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new office with independent budget control, funding behavioral health access services as a public program.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates office to resolve mental health/substance use disorder access issues, improving patient navigation and rights for uninsured/underinsured.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 856: Authorizes certain facilities to provide treatment for the mental health and health care needs of individuals admitted for a substance use disorder

Authorizes certain facilities to provide treatment for the mental health and health care needs of individuals admitted for a substance use disorder; provides that such services shall be reimbursable by Medicaid and private insurance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes mental health services for substance use disorder patients with Medicaid/private insurance reimbursement, expanding access and funding for mental health care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 4917: Requires health insurance contracts cover postpartum pelvic floor therapy

This bill requires health insurance plans in New York to cover postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy as part of mandatory maternity care. It directly affects new mothers by ensuring their health insurance must include this specific therapy to aid recovery after childbirth. The bill amends existing insurance law to add "postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy" to the list of required benefits, alongside services like breastfeeding support and newborn assessments. The policy change applies to all insurance contracts issued or renewed on or after its effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for postpartum pelvic floor therapy, expanding required maternity benefits to improve access and patient recovery.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires health insurance coverage for postpartum pelvic floor therapy, expanding mandatory maternity benefits to support new mothers' health recovery and workforce continuity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Women's Health

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8426: Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder

Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder; incorporates into law federal enforcement rules set forth in the federal mental health parity and addiction equity act of 2008.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents insurer discrimination against mental health/substance use disorder patients, enforcing parity and protecting patient rights under federal law.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents insurer discrimination on mental health/substance use, ensuring equal access to benefits, aligns with expanding worker benefits under employment standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5354: Requires health insurers to provide coverage without cost-sharing for opioid antagonists and devices

Requires health insurers to provide coverage without cost-sharing for opioid antagonists and devices; provides that no prior authorization of premedical review for coverage of such opioid antagonist is required.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers cover opioid antagonists without cost-sharing or prior authorization, improving access to overdose reversal treatments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5299: Requires prescription containers for opioid medications to have a red cap top and a printed warning

This bill requires all prescription containers for opioid medications to have a red cap top displaying the warning "Caution: OPIOID. Risk of overdose and addiction." It directly affects pharmacies dispensing opioids by mandating this specific container labeling. The key mechanism specifies that containers must use a red cap (or red stickers if caps are unavailable) with the exact warning text, replacing existing color-coded labeling requirements for controlled substances. This policy change aims to increase visible safety warnings at the point of prescription.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates clear opioid warning labels to prevent overdose/addiction, directly enhancing patient safety in healthcare as defined.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 10, 2026

A 8055: Relates to outpatient mental health, substance use disorder, residential and rehabilitation services and Medicaid fee-for-service

Bill A 8055 proposes to change how outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services are administered under Medicaid. It shifts these services, along with comprehensive Medicaid case management, from a managed care model back to a fee-for-service system. This change, subject to federal approval, directly affects individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder who rely on these services and the licensed facilities that provide them. The bill also requires that any savings generated by this transition be reinvested into community-based behavioral health services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill shifts Medicaid mental health/substance use services to fee-for-service model, enhancing provider access and continuity of care for patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6474: Requires the distribution of an information card or sheet with Schedule II opioids

This bill requires healthcare providers distributing Schedule II opioids (like oxycodone or fentanyl) to include an informational card and fentanyl test strips with each prescription. The card must explain overdose symptoms, steps to take after using an opioid antagonist (including calling emergency services), addiction support resources, safe disposal methods, and how to access the state's addiction support hotline and website. It also mandates that materials be available in languages other than English as needed. This applies directly to pharmacies, hospitals, and medical programs distributing these high-risk medications, aiming to improve patient safety and overdose response.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates overdose education, addiction resources, and safe disposal info to enhance patient safety and access to care for opioid prescriptions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 7, 2026

S 3185: Provides outpatient insurance coverage for non-pharmacological treatments and non-opioid drugs for chronic pain

Bill S 3185 mandates that health insurance policies covering pain management services must also provide outpatient coverage for non-opioid treatments for chronic pain, defined as pain lasting over three months. This directly affects individuals with chronic pain by expanding their covered treatment options to include complementary and integrative therapies. The bill ensures that insurance companies cannot impose stricter financial requirements or treatment limitations on non-opioid chronic pain treatments than they do for other medical benefits or for opioid-based pain treatments. This aims to provide comparable access and coverage for these non-opioid alternatives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for non-opioid chronic pain treatments, expanding patient access to covered options without restrictive financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4997: Prohibits nursing homes and care facilities from denying admission to individuals receiving a controlled substance medication for a substance use disorder

Prohibits nursing homes and care facilities that are registered with the state of New York and registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, that maintains a stock of, and directly dispenses, controlled substance medications from denying admission to individuals receiving a controlled substance medication for a substance use disorder.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures access to substance use disorder treatment in care facilities, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits denial of nursing home admission for substance use disorder patients receiving medication, improving patient access and protecting rights in healthcare settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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