Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4833: Relates to downcoding on initial review and audits reversing or altering medical necessity determinations

Ensures the decision to downcode an insurance claim is recognized as an adverse determination; prohibits health plans from reversing or altering medical necessity determinations made by a utilization review agent or external appeals agent as a result of an audit of claims.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents health plans from reversing medical necessity determinations, protecting patient access to covered care and ensuring adverse claim decisions are recognized.90% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1623: Provides that written notice of premium rate changes be given not less than sixty days prior to the effective date of such rate changes

This bill requires health insurance companies to provide written notice to policyholders at least 60 days before implementing any change to premium rates for group health insurance policies. It directly affects individuals and businesses holding group health insurance policies by giving them advance notice of upcoming rate increases. The key provision mandates that insurers send this written notice 60 to 120 days prior to the effective date of the new rates. This change applies to both large and small group policyholders covered under the same policy type.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurers to notify policyholders 60 days before premium rate changes, protecting consumer rights and enabling informed decisions on healthcare costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 253: Relates to mental health services and resources for child protective services employees

This bill requires all employers in child protective services (CPS) to provide mental health support services to their employees. It specifically mandates access to resources like trauma-focused therapy, EMDR treatment, counseling, and informational support to address workplace stress and secondary trauma. The law directly affects CPS workers - such as caseworkers and supervisors - who face high-stress, emotionally demanding situations daily. The key provision is a legal obligation for employers to cover these services, aiming to improve employee well-being and retention. (4 sentences)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mental health services (trauma therapy, counseling) for CPS employees, directly expanding access to mental health care resources.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates mental health services for CPS workers facing high-stress conditions, directly protecting workplace well-being and addressing secondary trauma.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 8, 2025

S 965: Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children

Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for treatment of rare diseases, life-threatening conditions or diseases, degenerative and disabling conditions, or diagnoses involving medically fragile children, by a provider of the patient's choice.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to cover rare, life-threatening, and disabling conditions, expanding patient access and strengthening insurance coverage for critical healthcare needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6128: Relates to covering mental illness under the healthy New York program

This bill (A 6128) requires health insurers and health coverage providers under New York's Healthy New York program to include coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in existing policies. It directly affects insurers selling group or individual health insurance policies that cover hospital care or physician services. The key change amends insurance law to mandate that these policies explicitly cover mental health care, aligning it with other medical treatments. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to cover mental health diagnosis/treatment in existing policies, aligning with medical coverage standards per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3110: Directs the commissioner of health to make recommendations relating to increasing reimbursement rates

Directs the commissioner of health to make recommendations relating to increasing certain ambulatory patient group reimbursement rates and certain reimbursement rates for patient health care services provided by physicians in rural and underserved areas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates increased reimbursement rates for rural/underserved healthcare providers, directly improving funding and access to services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telehealth

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 1633: Provides additional protections for sensitive health information and requires patients to have the right to restrict the disclosures of such patient's health information

Provides additional protections for sensitive health information; requires all health information networks, electronic health record systems, and health care providers to provide patients with a right to restrict the disclosures of such patient's health information; defines terms; provides for exceptions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGrants patients right to restrict health info disclosures, strengthening privacy protections in healthcare services.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for health information in electronic health record systems, directly advancing tech policy goals of securing user data.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 5, 2025

A 2675: Relates to coverage for prenatal vitamins

This bill requires most health insurance plans covering medical care (including major medical and similar comprehensive policies) to cover prenatal vitamins when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider under New York's Education Law. It applies specifically to plans that already cover prescription drugs, mandating coverage without requiring additional plan changes. The coverage may still include standard deductibles and coinsurance, consistent with other benefits in the policy. This directly affects pregnant individuals and their insurance providers by ensuring access to a common prenatal supplement through existing health coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for prenatal vitamins, expanding access to essential maternal health services without increasing provider costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5012: Prohibits health insurers from requiring prior authorization for anti-retroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV infection

Prohibits health insurers, health care plans and HMOs from requiring prior authorization for anti-retroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV infection.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes prior authorization barriers for HIV treatment access, directly improving patient access to critical healthcare services per indicators.92% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4024: Authorizes the delivery of telehealth services in schools by licensed providers

This bill allows licensed health providers to deliver remote health services (telehealth) to students within schools. It specifically authorizes school-based health, dental, and mental health clinics and telehealth providers to offer these services during school or non-school hours, requiring them to meet state licensing standards and follow new regulations. The bill mandates that schools cannot charge for these services (funding comes from federal/state/local sources), requires parental consent for student care, and ensures telehealth supplements rather than replaces school nurses and counselors. It also sets requirements for privacy technology, staffing, and billing through new state regulations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables school-based telehealth services (mental/health/dental), expanding student access to care within educational settings without cost barriers, directly supporting educational access and well-being.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes school-based telehealth for mental/dental health services, improves student access without cost, requires parental consent - directly expands healthcare access.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill authorizes the delivery of telehealth services, directly advancing and strengthening the application of technology for healthcare delivery in schools.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Telehealth

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