Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
Summary
Bill A03319 aims to amend the New York insurance law to include outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in the coverage of certain insurance policies. The bill specifies that if an insurance policy provides coverage for psychiatric or psychological services, it must also cover similar services provided by licensed creative arts therapists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create a new mandated health benefit nor does it modify the scope of practice for these professionals.
Impact
The passage of this bill will expand the range of mental health services covered by insurance policies in New York, ensuring that creative arts therapists are recognized as providers of outpatient care. This change is expected to improve access to mental health services for individuals who may benefit from creative arts therapy. It will also require insurance companies to update their policies to comply with the new coverage requirements, potentially influencing the insurance market and the availability of mental health services.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A03319 has been largely positive, as evidenced by the favorable votes in both the Assembly and Senate. The Assembly Insurance Committee voted 20-2 in favor of the bill, and it passed the Assembly floor with a significant majority of 146-2. The Senate also supported the bill with a final vote of 56-2, indicating strong bipartisan support for expanding mental health coverage.
Contention
While the bill has received broad support, there may be concerns from some insurance providers regarding the implications of expanding coverage to include creative arts therapists. Critics may argue about the potential costs associated with this expansion and the adequacy of training and standards for creative arts therapists compared to other mental health professionals. However, these points of contention have not significantly hindered the bill's progress.
Same As
Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.
Relates to mental health services required to be covered by certain insurance policies; removes the requirement that services from creative arts therapists be covered by certain policies.
Relates to mental health services required to be covered by certain insurance policies; removes the requirement that services from creative arts therapists be covered by certain policies.
Expands the definition of mental health care provider to include licensed psychoanalysts, creative arts therapists and behavior analysts for purposes of certain sex offenses committed during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination.
Enacts the "Give Kids a Chance - Carter and Ray's Law" mandating health insurance coverage for congenital anomalies including certain reconstructive services, habilitative services, and inpatient and outpatient services.