New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03488

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  

Caption

Requires notification to insureds that an out-of-network physician may be used in their procedure, test or surgery and such physician's services shall not be covered by their insurance policy; provides such services must be covered if the insured person does not receive notification prior to such services or procedure.

Summary

Bill A03488 amends the New York insurance law to require that insured individuals receive prior notification from their billing entity if an out-of-network physician may be involved in their medical procedure, test, or surgery. This notification must inform patients that the services of such out-of-network physicians will not be covered by their insurance policy. If the patient does not receive this notification before the service, their insurance policy will cover the costs associated with the out-of-network physician's services.

Impact

The bill will have a significant impact on health insurance policies in New York by mandating that insurers provide clear communication regarding the potential use of out-of-network physicians. This change aims to protect consumers from unexpected medical bills and ensure that they are informed about their coverage options prior to receiving care. It will require insurance companies to update their notification processes and may lead to changes in how out-of-network services are billed and covered.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A03488 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to enhance consumer protection in the healthcare system. Stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, are likely to favor the bill for its focus on transparency and informed consent. However, there may be some concerns from insurance companies regarding the administrative burden of implementing these notification requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from insurance providers who could argue that the bill imposes additional regulatory burdens and could lead to increased costs for consumers. Additionally, there may be concerns about how the notification process will be managed and whether it will effectively reach all insured individuals before their procedures.

Companion Bills

NY S04012

Same As Requires notification to insureds that an out-of-network physician may be used in their procedure, test or surgery and such physician's services shall not be covered by their insurance policy; provides such services must be covered if the insured person does not receive notification prior to such services or procedure.

Previously Filed As

NY A02663

Requires notification to insureds that an out-of-network physician may be used in their procedure, test or surgery and such physician's services shall not be covered by their insurance policy; such services must be covered if the insured person does not receive notification prior to such services or procedure.

NY S04012

Requires notification to insureds that an out-of-network physician may be used in their procedure, test or surgery and such physician's services shall not be covered by their insurance policy; provides such services must be covered if the insured person does not receive notification prior to such services or procedure.

NY S2476

Provides that routine foot care services covered under certain insurance policies include coverage of services provided by podiatric physicians.

NY SB00454

An Act Requiring Health Insurers To Allow A Covered Person To Terminate Coverage And Procure Alternate Health Insurance Without Penalty When Such Covered Person's Health Care Providers Are Designated Out-of-network.

NY S05313

Addresses non-covered dental services by requiring all policies providing coverage of and all contracts for dental services issued to include a disclosure stating that a participating provider may charge their normal fee for services that are not covered; requires a cost estimate to be provided.

NY A03687

Addresses non-covered dental services by requiring all policies providing coverage of and all contracts for dental services issued to include a disclosure stating that a participating provider may charge their normal fee for services that are not covered; requires a cost estimate to be provided.

NY H8309

Requires that every insurer providing health coverage insurance provide every physician or physician group with a complete fee schedule seeing for the maximum allowable reimbursement for each covered service.

NY A4270

Requires Medicaid and health insurance network contracts to provide participating health care providers with certain notifications.

NY A1018

Requires health insurance carriers to provide adequate network of physicians.

NY HB1623

In regulation of insurers and related persons generally, providing for notification requirements for older adult health insurance policies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.