Albany, NY – A new proposal before the New York State Assembly would require insurance companies to provide full coverage for children receiving mental health treatment, ensuring parity between psychiatric care and other medical services.
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember William Magnarelli and co-sponsored by several Democratic legislators, mandates that all health insurance policies offering medical or major medical coverage include benefits for services related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous, or emotional disorders. This would apply to both outpatient and inpatient care provided in state-run or local psychiatric facilities.
Under the legislation, insurers would be prohibited from imposing additional copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing requirements for mental health treatment that do not also apply to physical health services. The measure specifically defines “children” as anyone under 18 years of age and is designed to close long-standing gaps in coverage for young people with serious emotional disturbances or biologically based mental illnesses.
Supporters say the bill reflects growing recognition of the importance of early intervention in youth mental health. It would require updates to sections 3216, 3221, and 4303 of New York’s insurance law to align private insurance contracts with the standards already in place for other types of medical care.
If enacted, the law would take effect immediately and apply to all insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified after its effective date.
Key Points: New York lawmakers push bill to expand mental health coverage for children – Albany
- The legislation would require insurance companies to fully cover mental and emotional health treatment for children under 18.
- Coverage for psychiatric care must be equal to medical and surgical benefits with no additional cost sharing.
- The bill aims to close coverage gaps and strengthen mental health parity in New York’s insurance law.