New York Assembly Bill A08864

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25

Caption

Provides that coverage for outpatient diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder shall not be subject to preauthorization.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to have a positive impact on access to outpatient substance use disorder treatment for New Yorkers. By eliminating the need for preauthorization, the bill aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking help for substance use issues, potentially leading to better health outcomes. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure that financial barriers do not dissuade individuals from getting necessary treatment, thus supporting a public health initiative to manage substance use disorders more effectively.

Summary

A08864 is a bill that amends the New York insurance law to mandate that all medical, major medical, or similar comprehensive-type insurance policies provide coverage for outpatient diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder. This will include detoxification and rehabilitation services. A significant feature of the bill is that such coverage will not be subject to preauthorization, meaning that insurers cannot require prior approval before these services can be accessed by policyholders. Additionally, the bill prohibits applying any financial requirements or treatment limitations that are more restrictive than those for other medical and surgical benefits covered by the policy.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding A08864, particularly regarding the financial implications for insurance providers and the potential for increased claim costs. Opponents of the bill might argue that removing preauthorization could lead to overutilization of services, which could drive up insurance premiums. Additionally, there may be concerns about how this bill interacts with existing laws related to health insurance and whether it imposes undue burdens on providers. However, supporters will likely emphasize that these changes are essential for improving patient access and are part of a broader movement to address the crisis of substance use in society.