Bill > A07304

This bill amends the New York insurance law to require private insurers to provide coverage for an annual pediatric eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist without charging a co-payment for children from birth through 19 years of age. The legislation modifies existing insurance regulations to ensure that these eye exams are considered a preventive and primary care service, similar to well-child visits and immunizations. Specifically, the bill mandates that insurers must cover one eye examination per calendar year, regardless of whether a full 365 days have passed since the previous exam, and explicitly prohibits insurers from imposing any co-payment for this service. The bill affects multiple sections of the insurance law, including those governing individual health insurance, group health insurance, and hospital and medical expense indemnity contracts. The changes will take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law, allowing insurance providers time to adjust their policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7304