Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3485: Relates to prescription drug formulary coverage for interchangeable biologics and biosimilars

This bill amends New York insurance law to require health insurers to allow patients to try cheaper interchangeable biologics and biosimilars before covering brand-name drugs. It updates prior authorization rules so insurers must consider these cost-saving alternatives when reviewing coverage for biologic medications. The law also allows insurers to move a drug to a higher-cost insurance tier only if a cheaper interchangeable biologic or biosimilar is simultaneously added to the plan's drug list. These changes directly affect patients seeking biologic treatments and insurers managing prescription drug coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to prioritize cheaper biosimilars over brand-name drugs, improving patient access and reducing costs for biologic medications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3555: Relates to establishing the expanded pharmaceutical insurance coverage panel

Relates to improving and expanding the pharmaceutical insurance coverage program for certain medicare enrollees; creates the expanded pharmaceutical insurance coverage panel, to be responsible for expanding pharmaceutical insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates panel to expand pharmaceutical insurance coverage for Medicare enrollees, directly advancing medication access and coverage expansion per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare Prescription Drugs

Track

passed · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 488: Enacts the manufacturer disclosure and transparency act

Enacts the manufacturer disclosure and transparency act requiring prescription drug manufacturers to notify the attorney general of arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers resulting in the delay of the introduction of generic medications.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires disclosure of drug manufacturer arrangements delaying generics, aiming to lower drug costs and improve patient access to affordable medications.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6222: Relates to establishing the "340B prescription drug anti-discrimination act"

Relates to establishing the "340B prescription drug anti-discrimination act"; prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against covered entities and New York state pharmacies based on participation in the drug discount program authorized by section 340B of the federal public health service act.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents discrimination against 340B program participants, ensuring covered entities access discounted drugs to lower costs and improve patient medication access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Public Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4100: Establishes an emergency insulin program

This bill creates a state-run emergency insulin program to provide immediate access to analog insulin supplies for uninsured or underinsured people with type 1 or insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes who face serious health risks due to insulin shortages. It allows healthcare professionals and pharmacists to dispense insulin without a prescription during emergencies, requires large pharmacies to register as program participants by 2026, and caps costs at $100 for a 30-day supply. Funding comes from a new trust fund supported by manufacturer contributions and state appropriations, with the program required to be operational by April 2026. The program mandates annual reporting on participants, insulin types provided, costs, and public-private partnerships to the governor and health committees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates emergency insulin program for uninsured diabetics, caps costs at $100/30-day supply, and enables pharmacist dispensing without prescriptions to improve access to critical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

passed · New York · Senate Mar 24, 2026

S 438: Establishes the prescription drug supply chain transparency act

Establishes the prescription drug supply chain transparency act; requires pharmacy services administrative organizations, pharmacy switch companies and rebate aggregators to register with the insurance department and to provide certain disclosures relating to the ownership and activities of such entities; relates to deposits into the pharmacy benefit manager regulatory fund.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires pharmacy entities to disclose ownership/activities, enhancing supply chain transparency to protect patient access and safety in drug coverage.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

passed · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 2128: Relates to requiring certain health insurance issuers to certify that at least a majority of prescription drug rebates are provided to patients at the point of sale

Requires certain health insurance issuers to certify that at least a majority of prescription drug rebates are provided to patients at the point of sale.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurers to pass drug rebates to patients, reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving access to prescription drugs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5939: Relates to coverage of primary and preventive obstetric and gynecological care; repealer

This bill requires New York health insurance plans to cover preventive obstetric and gynecological services - such as cervical cancer screenings and bone density tests for osteoporosis - without annual deductibles or co-payments. It mandates prescription drug plans to include coverage for FDA-approved contraceptives, which may include reasonable deductibles and co-payments, while allowing religious organizations to opt out of covering contraceptives conflicting with their beliefs. Enrollees in group plans that opt out of contraceptive coverage can directly purchase it from their insurer at the same cost as the group plan. The bill repeals prior contraceptive coverage requirements and updates insurance law to standardize these preventive care provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no-cost coverage for preventive OB/GYN services and contraceptives, expanding patient access to essential healthcare without cost-sharing barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs Women's Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3271: Provides coverage for remotely connected insulin pens for certain patients with diabetes

This bill requires New York's medical assistance program to cover remotely connected insulin pens for eligible patients with diabetes. It specifically covers patients aged seven or older using these devices with prescribed insulin cartridges, and allows children under seven to use them with adult supervision. The coverage must be included under the pharmacy benefit, with managed care organizations reflecting the costs in their premium payments. This policy change ensures access to modern insulin delivery technology for diabetes patients without additional out-of-pocket costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates coverage for diabetes management devices, expanding access to modern insulin treatment under pharmacy benefit for eligible patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs Telehealth

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1913: Relates to establishing the "340B prescription drug anti-discrimination act"

Relates to establishing the "340B prescription drug anti-discrimination act"; prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against covered entities and New York state pharmacies based on participation in the drug discount program authorized by section 340B of the federal public health service act.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits discrimination against 340B program participants, ensuring continued access to discounted drugs for covered entities and pharmacies, advancing patient access to affordable medications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Public Health

Track