Bill > A00021

This bill requires insurance policies to provide comprehensive coverage for children under 18 years old for mental health services, specifically mandating that policies cover diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous, or emotional disorders without additional cost sharing. The bill amends three sections of the insurance law (for individual, group, and hospital/medical service policies) to ensure that coverage includes services for biologically based mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances in psychiatric centers, in-patient facilities operated by the state or local governments, and other mental health treatment facilities. The coverage must be equivalent to other medical service coverage, meaning that patients will not face extra out-of-pocket expenses for mental health treatment compared to other medical treatments. By explicitly defining children as individuals under 18 and requiring equal coverage, the bill aims to improve access to mental health services for young people and reduce financial barriers to mental health care. The legislation will apply to all policies issued, delivered, renewed, or modified after its effective date.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A21