What's happening
This bill requires insurance policies in New York to cover at least 90 days at a rehabilitation facility for substance abuse disorder when prescribed by a doctor.
Why it matters
Improves access to longer-term treatment. By mandating coverage for at least 90 days in a rehabilitation facility, the bill recognizes that short-term stays may be insufficient for effective recovery from substance use disorder, potentially leading to better health outcomes and lower relapse rates.
Reduces financial barriers for families. The requirement that insurance must cover these extended stays can lessen the financial strain on individuals and families, who might otherwise face overwhelming out-of-pocket costs for necessary, doctor-prescribed rehabilitation.
Emphasizes medical oversight. The stipulation that a doctor’s prescription is required for the covered stay ensures that only those with a clinical need receive this benefit, helping to direct resources appropriately and potentially reducing misuse.
Could pressure insurers to adapt policies. Insurance companies may need to adjust their coverage terms, processes, and premium structures, which could have downstream effects on how substance use disorder services are accessed and delivered across New York State.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Guarantee 90-Day Rehab Coverage
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Assembly Member · Assembly District 127
13 Co-sponsors
4 Multi-sponsors
History
- Reported referred to ways and means
- Reported referred to codes
- Referred to insurance
- Referred to insurance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Expand Rehab Coverage to 90 Days
In Senate Committee · Insurance · Sponsor Patty Ritchie
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
492
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 9, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. STIRPE, SKOUFIS, JENNE, BUCHWALD, DiPIETRO, RA, HUNTER, MAGNARELLI, BLANKENBUSH, RAIA, SALADINO, LUPARDO, MAGEE, GOODELL, ROSENTHAL -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CROUCH, DenDEKK- ER, HEVESI, THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Insurance
AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to insurance coverage for substance abuse disorder services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph 30 of subsection (i) of section 3216 of the insurance law, as amended by section 1 of part B of chapter 71 of the laws of 2016, is amended by adding a new subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
(E) A policy providing coverage under this paragraph shall include coverage for at least ninety days at a rehabilitation facility; provided, however, that any stay in a rehabilitation facility required to be covered pursuant to this paragraph shall require the prescription of a doctor.
§ 2. Paragraph 6 of subsection (l) of section 3221 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
(E) A policy providing coverage under this paragraph shall include coverage for at least ninety days at a rehabilitation facility; provided, however, that any stay in a rehabilitation facility required to be covered pursuant to this paragraph shall require the prescription of a doctor.
§ 3. Subsection (k) of section 4303 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new paragraph 5 to read as follows:
(5) A policy providing coverage under this subsection shall include coverage for at least ninety days at a rehabilitation facility; provided, however, that any stay in a rehabilitation facility required
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04732-02-7
A. 492 2
to be covered pursuant to this subsection shall require the prescription of a doctor.
§ 4. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law and shall apply to any policy issued, amended, or renewed on and after such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.