Provides for coverage of screenings for elevated lead levels exempting them from annual deductibles or coinsurance.
Impact
The bill's enactment would significantly impact state laws concerning health insurance coverage, particularly in relation to preventive health measures for children. The amendment ensures that families can access necessary screenings without incurring out-of-pocket costs, thus potentially increasing participation rates in lead testing. This could lead to earlier identification of lead exposure in children, which is critical in mitigating the long-term effects associated with lead poisoning, such as developmental delays and health complications.
Summary
Bill A07953 seeks to amend the insurance law and social services law in New York by ensuring that screenings for elevated lead levels in children are covered without the application of annual deductibles or coinsurance. This legislative change aims to facilitate access to lead screening for children and address public health concerns related to lead exposure, which can lead to serious health issues, particularly in young populations. By eliminating the financial barriers associated with these important screenings, the bill intends to promote early detection and intervention.
Contention
While the bill's intent to protect child health is broadly supported, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation and funding mechanisms. Critics may argue that such mandates could increase insurance premiums overall or strain state resources, as the costs of providing these screenings must be absorbed either by insurers or the state. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of public awareness campaigns needed to ensure that families seek these screenings, as simply having them available at no cost does not guarantee that all families will take advantage of them.
Relates to requiring coverage for volunteer firefighters for full cancer screenings upon entry of service to a fire department or fire company and annually thereafter; provides that the costs of such screenings shall be covered by the state.
Relates to requiring coverage for volunteer firefighters for full cancer screenings upon entry of service to a fire department or fire company and annually thereafter; provides that the costs of such screenings shall be covered by the state.
Requires health insurance policies which provide coverage for mammography screenings also provide coverage for breast ultrasounds for cancer screening.
Relates to the definition of elevated blood lead levels; provides that elevated lead levels means a blood lead level greater than or equal to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood or such lower blood lead level as may be established by the department of health pursuant to rule or regulation.
Relates to the definition of elevated blood lead levels; provides that elevated lead levels means a blood lead level greater than or equal to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood or such lower blood lead level as may be established by the department of health pursuant to rule or regulation.
Relates to the definition of elevated blood lead levels; provides that elevated lead levels means a blood lead level greater than or equal to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood or such lower blood lead level as may be established by the department of health pursuant to rule or regulation.