Relates to the coverage of ostomy supplies in the child health plus program

BILL NUMBER:S1400

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to coverage of ostomy supplies in the child health plus program

Purpose

This bill would require the child health plus program to include ostomy equipment and supplies as a covered health care service.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends subdivision 7 of section 2510 of the public health law by adding ostomy equipment and supplies to the list of covered health services.

Section 2 is the effective date of the bill.

Justification

New York's Child Health Plus program currently provides no coverage for ostomy supplies and equipment for low-income children under the age of 19. There are various reasons why children have ostomies, including birth defects such as spina bifida, exstrophy of the bladder and imperforate anus. Children may also develop other disorders that may require an ostomy, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, polyposis, malignancy, injury and nerve damage. Out of pocket costs for ostomy supplies vary and are dependent upon the complications of the ostomy. Complex ostomies result in greater monthly utilization of ostomy supplies and equipment. The cost to consumers can easily exceed hundreds of dollars per month. Chapter 364 of 2014 requires that insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage to include equipment and supplies for the treatment of ostomies. Children enrolled in the Child Health Plus program cannot be covered under other health insurance to help defray the cost of ostomy supplies. Thus, this bill would extend this coverage to the Child Health Plus program.

Legislative history

S.7825: 2014

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.