New York Assembly Bill A01195

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25
• Report Pass: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Report Pass: 5/21/25
• Engrossed: 5/21/25
• Refer: 5/21/25
• Engrossed: 5/29/25

Caption

Requires that health insurance policies shall provide coverage for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer; provides that no patient cost sharing shall be imposed for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer.

Impact

If enacted, A01195 would significantly impact New York's insurance laws by requiring all health insurance policies that cover medical care to include provisions for lung cancer screenings. This change is expected to enhance access to screening services, encouraging individuals, particularly those at high risk, to undergo necessary diagnostic tests. Additionally, by removing financial barriers to screening, the bill seeks to ensure that patients can receive timely follow-up care, ultimately aiming to increase the rates of early detection which is critical in the prognosis of lung cancer.

Summary

Bill A01195, introduced in the New York Assembly, mandates that health insurance policies must provide coverage for follow-up screening and diagnostic services for lung cancer. Specifically, it stipulates that this coverage should be provided without imposing any patient cost sharing. The bill aims to facilitate early detection and treatment of lung cancer, which could lead to improved health outcomes and potentially lower mortality rates associated with this type of cancer. The legislation underscores the importance of aligning health insurance practices with nationally recognized clinical guidelines, promoting evidence-based healthcare practices.

Contention

While the intent behind A01195 is to promote better health outcomes through increased access to lung cancer screening, there may be arguments concerning the fiscal implications for insurance companies. Critics could raise concerns about the potential for higher premiums or costs being passed down to consumers to accommodate the required coverage. Furthermore, there may be debates over the criteria used for determining high-risk individuals eligible for such screenings, as well as the responsibility of insurers in adhering to the mandated guidelines. These discussions could emphasize the balance between enhancing patient care and managing healthcare costs.