Bill > A00609

This bill requires insurers to provide coverage for healthcare services delivered through store and forward technology (an asynchronous electronic transmission of patient health information from one healthcare provider to another) and mandates that prescription drug policies cover contraceptive care delivered via telemedicine. The legislation stems from findings that insurance policies have been denying coverage for contraceptive care and that telemedicine became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic for safely delivering healthcare services. Specifically, the bill amends existing insurance laws to ensure that insurers cannot exclude coverage for services that would otherwise be covered simply because they are delivered through telehealth or store and forward technology. The bill also stipulates that insurers must reimburse telehealth services at the same rates as in-person services, subject telehealth services to the same co-payments and quality standards as in-person services, and maintain healthcare provider networks that can adequately support telehealth needs. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of "store and forward technology" and ensures that such technological methods of healthcare delivery are recognized and supported across various healthcare and insurance regulations.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A609