New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05044

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  

Caption

Relates to authorizing non-insurance benefits or services to be offered as part of group life or group or blanket accident or health insurance policies.

Summary

Bill S05044 seeks to amend the New York insurance law by allowing insurers to include non-insurance benefits and services as part of group life insurance and group or blanket accident and health insurance policies. The proposed non-insurance benefits may encompass a variety of services such as financial and estate planning, grief counseling, travel assistance, and identity theft services, among others. These benefits must be clearly outlined in the insurance policy and made available to all members of the insured group. Additionally, any entity providing these services must be appropriately licensed.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will expand the scope of what can be offered under group insurance policies in New York, potentially enhancing the value of such policies for consumers. It will require insurers to disclose these additional benefits in their policies, thereby increasing transparency. This amendment may also lead to increased competition among insurers as they seek to offer more comprehensive packages that include both insurance and non-insurance services.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S05044 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with support for the idea of enhancing insurance offerings to provide more comprehensive benefits to policyholders. However, there may be concerns regarding the regulation of these non-insurance services and ensuring that they are provided by qualified entities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the regulation and oversight of the non-insurance services included in the policies. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the potential for confusion among consumers regarding what is covered under their insurance policies, as well as the qualifications of providers offering these additional services.

Companion Bills

NY A07266

Same As Relates to authorizing non-insurance benefits or services to be offered as part of group life or group or blanket accident or health insurance policies.

Previously Filed As

NY S02797

Relates to authorizing non-insurance benefits or services to be offered as part of group life or group or blanket accident or health insurance policies.

NY A07266

Relates to authorizing non-insurance benefits or services to be offered as part of group life or group or blanket accident or health insurance policies.

NY HB1058

Insurance; authorize tax-exempt organizations to be beneficiaries of employee group life insurance policies

NY HB2046

Authorizing insurers to file certain travel insurance policies under the accident and health line of insurance.

NY HB1122

Insurance; group or individual accident and sickness plans; provisions

NY S09596

Permits accidental death benefits and/or special accidental death benefits to be awarded to the beneficiary of Patricia Espinosa.

NY A10824

Permits accidental death benefits and/or special accidental death benefits to be awarded to the beneficiary of Patricia Espinosa.

NY HF2449

A bill for an act authorizing school districts to enter into agreements with cities and counties for the purpose of jointly procuring a group health insurance plan, nonprofit group hospital service plan, nonprofit group medical service plan, or group life insurance plan.

NY S01162

Requires third-party food delivery services maintain insurance through a group policy that covers bodily injury or death arising out of or resulting from qualifying accidents involving a delivery person.

NY A00070

Requires third-party food delivery services maintain insurance through a group policy that covers bodily injury or death arising out of or resulting from qualifying accidents involving a delivery person.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.