Bill > S00556

This bill requires health insurance providers, including hospital service corporations, health service corporations, and group or blanket policies in New York, to provide coverage for FDA-approved smoking cessation medications and physician-ordered counseling. Specifically, the bill mandates that insurers cover two quit attempts per year, with each attempt including 90 days of cessation medications and four counseling sessions, all without cost-sharing or prior authorization requirements. The coverage cannot replace or restrict existing policy benefits and may be subject to annual deductibles and co-insurance as determined by the insurance superintendent. The bill applies to policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended 180 days after becoming law, with some exceptions for multi-state employment or collectively bargained benefit structures. By requiring this coverage, the bill aims to make smoking cessation treatment more accessible and affordable for individuals seeking to quit smoking, potentially improving public health outcomes by reducing barriers to treatment.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S556