Requires health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law and the workers' compensation law, in relation to coverage of long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens

Purpose or general idea of bill

To require health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens.

Summary of specific provisions

Section One will amend subsection (i) of section 3216 of the insurance law by adding a new paragraph 33, which requires every insurer issuing a policy of accident and health insurance cover all costs for the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick borne pathogens.

Section Two will amend subsection (1) of section 3221 of the insurance law by adding a new paragraph 19, which requires every group or blanket policy issued that provides hospital, surgical or medical coverage cover all costs for the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick borne pathogens.

Section Three will amend section 4303 of the insurance law by adding a new subsection (qq), which requires every medical expense indemnity corporation, hospital service corporation and health service corporation which provides coverage for medical, surgical or major medical care shall cover all costs for the treatment of Lyme disease and other tick borne pathogens.

Section Four will amend paragraph 30 of subdivision 2 of section 3 of the workers' compensation law, as renumbered by chapter 665 of the laws of 1971, is renumbered paragraph 31 and a new paragraph 30 is added to include Lyme Disease as covered under workers' compensation.

Section Five will amend closing paragraph of subdivision 2 of section 3 of the workers' compensation law to reflect renumbering of paragraphs

Section Six will amend subdivision 9 of section 201 of the workers' compensation law by adding a new paragraph C to reflect renumbering of paragraphs.

Section Seven sets the effective date.

Justification

Current law does not specifically stipulate that Lyme Disease and other tick borne related pathogens be covered under individual and group health insurance policies or workers' compensation. This bill would require this disease to be covered under the aforementioned insurance policies. The bill also specifically states that long term treatments of the disease be covered if so recommended by a physician licensed to practice in New York State.

Lyme Disease strikes many New Yorkers each year. This bill ensures that their pain and suffering is not complicated by a lack of medical coverage, including long term coverage, for care of the disease.

Prior legislative history

2013-14: S.541/A.4978 Referred Insurance 2011-12: S.5354/S.7696 Referred to Insurance 2009-10: A.2100 Held for Consideration in Insurance 2007-08: A.1041 Held for Consideration in Insurance 2005-06: A.385A Held for Consideration in Insurance 2003-04: A.1914A Held for Consideration in Insurance 2001-02: A.9735 Held for Consideration in Insurance

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation of the foregoing sections of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such date.