Bill > A06586

This bill requires health insurance policies and Medicaid to cover patient navigation services for individuals with serious medical conditions expected to last at least three months and at high risk of significant health complications. Patient navigation services include screening for non-clinical social needs, providing referrals to services like transportation, employment, food assistance, and housing, helping with program enrollment, arranging and accompanying patients to healthcare visits, and offering health education and advocacy support. To provide these services, navigators must be trained and certified through a national patient navigation program or one approved by the state health department, and must work under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, typically in conjunction with healthcare facilities, clinics, or physicians. The bill amends existing insurance law and social services law to mandate this coverage across different types of health insurance policies, including individual, group, and state Medicaid plans, with the new requirements taking effect on the first day of January following the bill's passage.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6586