Requires insurance companies to provide coverage for opioid-addiction treatment medications

1 Co-sponsor

• José M. Serrano

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to coverage for opioid-addiction treatment medications

Purpose or general idea of bill

The insurance law is amended to require insurance companies to cover opioid-addiction treatment medications.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends subsection (i) of Section 3216 of the insurance law, by adding paragraph 33, which requires that every policy that provides medical, major medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage and provides coverage for prescriptions drugs shall provide coverage for opioid-addiction treatment medications. Coverage may be subject to copays, coinsurance or deductibles.

Section 2 amends subsection (k) of section 3221 of the insurance law, by adding paragraph 21, which requires that every policy that provides medical, major medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage and provides coverage for prescriptions drugs shall provide coverage for opioid-addiction treatment medications. Coverage may be subject to copays, coinsurance or deductibles.

Section 3 adds a new subsection (qq) to section 4303 of the insurance law, which requires that every policy that provides medical, major medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage and provides coverage for prescriptions drugs shall provide coverage for opioid-addiction treatment medications. Coverage may be subject to copays, coinsurance or deductibles.

Section 4 sets the effective date.

Justification

Opioid addiction is a statewide epidemic. Stories of young people overdosing on highly addictive painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycontin, as well as street drugs like heroin, illustrate a need for better access to addiction treatment and care. As New York State begins to crack down on prescription drug abuse, it is important that individuals with chemical dependency have access to a wide array of treatment options.

Opioid-addiction treatment medications such as Vivitrol (Naltrexone), Buorenorphine (suboxone, naloxone) and methadone are synthetic opioids that stabilize patients by mitigating opioid withdrawal syndrome. These medications block the euphoric effects of heroin, morphine, oxycontin, bvdrocodone and other opioids. When used properly, patients can reduce or stop altogether their use of these substances.

Prior legislative history

S.4189 2013-14 REFERRED TO INSURANCE

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.