Ensures continuity of care for cancer patients during insurance contract negotiations by requiring insurance coverage and treatment continue until the conclusion of care.
Impact
If enacted, A07944 would significantly alter the landscape of healthcare management in New York, particularly for cancer patients. It would require insurance companies to keep coverage active for patients undergoing oncology treatment even when disputes arise with hospitals. This change means that patients can expect uninterrupted care during a critical phase of their treatment regardless of administrative hurdles. By protecting patients' access to necessary medical services, the bill aims to alleviate concerns regarding financial and health-related stress associated with insurance disruptions.
Summary
Bill A07944, known as the Continuity of Cancer Care Act (COCCA), aims to ensure that patients receiving treatment for cancer do not experience disruptions in their care during contract negotiations between their hospitals and insurance providers. This legislation has been introduced to amend the existing insurance law and public health law by mandating insurers to continue coverage for cancer treatments if the insured and the hospital cannot reach an agreement during contract negotiations. The bill seeks to provide greater protections for patients during potentially tumultuous negotiations that could otherwise jeopardize their ongoing treatments.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the financial implications for insurance companies who may argue that this legislation could lead to increased costs. Opponents may express concerns that by requiring continued coverage during negotiations, the bill could inadvertently reduce the negotiating power of insurers. Advocates for the bill, however, argue that patient welfare must take precedence and that ensuring continuity of care is a fundamental right, especially for those battling cancer. Thus, the balance between patient rights and the operational flexibility of insurers remains a key issue in discussions surrounding the bill.
Same As
Ensures continuity of care for cancer patients during insurance contract negotiations by requiring insurance coverage and treatment continue until the conclusion of care.
Provides public health insurance coverage for children who are eligible for such coverage under the age of six to continue until they reach the age of six.
Provides public health insurance coverage for children who are eligible for such coverage under the age of six to continue until they reach the age of six.
Ensures that supplemental uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage is included in certain insurance policies; provides for certain notice and information to be given to insured motorists; extends certain provisions relating to supplemental uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage until 6/30/2026.
Ensures that supplemental uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage is included in certain insurance policies; provides for certain notice and information to be given to insured motorists; extends certain provisions relating to supplemental uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage until 6/30/2026.
Establishes standards to advance the management and treatment of chronic pain; incorporates continuing education programs for health care professionals who treat patients that have chronic pain.
A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans.(Formerly HF 479.)