Requires coverage under medicaid and health insurance plans for treatment for smoking cessation

BILL NUMBER:S3132

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to coverage for treatment of smoking cessation

Purpose

To extend health insurance coverage to individuals for whom a physician prescribes or orders smoking cessation treatment.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends Section 4303 of the Insurance Law by adding a new subsection (1-1) requiring hospital or health service corporations to provide up to $400 worth of coverage for smoking cessation treatment ordered by a physician.

Section 2 amends subsection (i) of Section 3216 of the Insurance Law by adding a new paragraph (30) which requires insurance policies to provide up to $400 of coverage for smoking cessation treatment recommended or prescribed by a physician.

Section 3 amends subsection (1) of Section 3221 of the Insurance Law by adding a new paragraph 19 requiring every group or blanket policy in New York State providing hospital, surgical or medical coverage to include up to $400 of coverage for smoking cessation treatment recommended or prescribed by a physician.

Justification

Tobacco addiction is one of the costliest and most easily avoidable public health problems, requiring Americans and their families to spend millions of dollars every year for the illnesses that are caused by smoking. There are smoking cessation programs that currently are available, however, these highly effective programs are not always covered by either state or private health insurers. Smoking cessation programs are relatively inexpensive when compared to the costly treatments required for victims of smoking-related illnesses. This legislation is necessary for smokers who wish to quit but cannot afford to pay all the expenses of such programs on their own. In addition, smoking cessation programs should be made more accessible to those who wish to quit smoking, particularly in light of the recent tax increases on cigarettes in New York State. As the price of cigarettes continues to rise, more people will want to stop smoking. Including insurance coverage for smoking cessation programs will make the goal of quitting smoking easier, increase public health and reduce the high expense of treating smoking related illnesses later in life.

Fiscal implications

To be determined. It is expected that the costs of providing coverage required by this bill to be more than offset by the savings to families and state insurance programs in hospital and medical costs.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall become a law and shall apply to all policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified or amended after such date.