Bill > S01001

This bill amends several sections of New York's insurance law to include creative arts therapists in the list of mental health professionals who can provide outpatient care that is covered by certain insurance policies. Specifically, the bill updates provisions related to group insurance policies, individual insurance policies, and health service contracts to ensure that when these policies provide coverage for mental health services by physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts, they must now also include coverage for outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists. The bill carefully notes that this amendment does not expand or modify the scope of practice for any of these mental health professionals and does not create a new mandated health benefit. The changes will apply to all insurance policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the bill's effective date. This update aims to recognize creative arts therapists as legitimate mental health professionals and ensure their services are financially accessible to patients through insurance coverage.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1001