S. 5300 2
provided under this paragraph shall also not be subject to concurrent
utilization review during the first twenty-eight days of the inpatient
admission provided that the facility notifies the insurer of both the
admission and the initial treatment plan within two business days of the
admission ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSUL-
TATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE OFFICE OF ADDICTION
SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The facility shall perform daily clinical review
of the patient[, including periodic] AND CONSULT PERIODICALLY WITH THE
INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND
DISCHARGE PLAN. PERIODIC consultation with the insurer [at or just prior
to] SHALL OCCUR NO LATER THAN the fourteenth day of treatment [to ensure
that the facility is using the evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical
review tool utilized by the insurer which is designated by the office of
alcoholism and substance abuse services and appropriate to the age of
the patient, to ensure that the inpatient treatment is medically neces-
sary for the patient]. Prior to discharge, the facility shall provide
the patient and the insurer with a written discharge plan which shall
describe arrangements for additional services needed following discharge
from the inpatient facility as determined using the evidence-based and
peer-reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the insurer which is
designated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse services]
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. Prior to discharge, the facility shall
indicate to the insurer whether services included in the discharge plan
are secured or determined to be reasonably available. [Any] INSURERS
SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-INITIATED PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS
PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT WHERE THE INSURER FAILS TO
DO SO, ANY utilization review of treatment provided under this subpara-
graph may include a review of all services provided during such inpa-
tient treatment, including all services provided during the first twen-
ty-eight days of such inpatient treatment. Provided, however, the
insurer SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PROCESS CLAIMS FOR THE PROVISION OF SUCH
SERVICES WITHIN THE TIMEFRAMES ESTABLISHED IN SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION
THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR-A OF THIS ARTICLE AND shall only
deny coverage for any portion of the initial twenty-eight day inpatient
treatment on the basis that such treatment was not medically necessary
if such inpatient treatment was contrary to the evidence-based and peer
reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the insurer which is desig-
nated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse services]
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. An insured shall not have any financial
obligation to the facility for any treatment under this subparagraph
other than any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise required
under the policy.
§ 2. Subparagraph (E) of paragraph 31 of subsection (i) of section
3216 of the insurance law, as amended by section 6 of subpart A of part
BB of chapter 57 of the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(E) This subparagraph shall apply to facilities in this state that are
licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of [alcoholism
and substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS for the
provision of outpatient, intensive outpatient, outpatient rehabilitation
and opioid treatment that are participating in the insurer's provider
network. Coverage provided under this paragraph shall not be subject to
preauthorization. Coverage provided under this paragraph shall not be
subject to concurrent review for the first four weeks of continuous
treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight visits, provided the facility
notifies the insurer of both the start of treatment and the initial
treatment plan within two business days ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED
S. 5300 3
BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE
OFFICE OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The facility shall perform
clinical assessment of the patient at each visit[, including periodic]
AND CONSULT PERIODICALLY WITH THE INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S
PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND DISCHARGE PLAN. PERIODIC consultation
with the insurer [at or just prior to] SHALL OCCUR NO LATER THAN the
fourteenth day of treatment [to ensure that the facility is using the
evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the
insurer which is designated by the office of alcoholism and substance
abuse services and appropriate to the age of the patient, to ensure that
the outpatient treatment is medically necessary for the patient]. [Any]
INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-INITIATED PERIODIC
CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT WHERE THE
INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ANY utilization review of the treatment provided
under this subparagraph may include a review of all services provided
during such outpatient treatment, including all services provided during
the first four weeks of continuous treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight
visits, of such outpatient treatment. Provided, however, the insurer
shall only deny coverage for any portion of the initial four weeks of
continuous treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight visits, for outpatient
treatment on the basis that such treatment was not medically necessary
if such outpatient treatment was contrary to the evidence-based and peer
reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the insurer which is desig-
nated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse services]
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. An insured shall not have any finan-
cial obligation to the facility for any treatment under this subpara-
graph other than any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise
required under the policy.
§ 3. Subparagraph (G) of paragraph 35 of subsection (i) of section
3216 of the insurance law, as added by section 8 of subpart A of part BB
of chapter 57 of the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(G) This subparagraph shall apply to hospitals in this state that are
licensed, CERTIFIED OR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED by the office of mental
health that are participating in the insurer's provider network. Where
the policy provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, benefits for
inpatient hospital care in a hospital as defined by subdivision ten of
section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law [provided to individuals who have
not attained the age of eighteen] shall not be subject to preauthori-
zation. Coverage provided under this subparagraph shall also not be
subject to concurrent utilization review during the first fourteen days
of the inpatient admission, provided the facility notifies the insurer
of both the admission and the initial treatment plan within two business
days of the admission ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT
IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE OFFICE OF MENTAL
HEALTH, performs daily clinical review of the patient, and [participates
in periodic consultation with the insurer to ensure that the facility is
using the evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria
utilized by the insurer which is approved by the office of mental health
and appropriate to the age of the patient, to ensure that the inpatient
care is medically necessary for the patient] CONSULTS PERIODICALLY WITH
THE INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND
DISCHARGE PLAN. [All] INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-
INITIATED PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND
EXCEPT WHERE THE INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ALL treatment provided under
this subparagraph may be reviewed retrospectively. Where care is denied
retrospectively, an insured shall not have any financial obligation to
S. 5300 4
the facility for any treatment under this subparagraph other than any
copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise required under the poli-
cy.
§ 4. Subparagraph (G) of paragraph 5 of subsection (l) of section 3221
of the insurance law, as added by section 14 of subpart A of part BB of
chapter 57 of the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(G) This subparagraph shall apply to hospitals in this state that are
licensed, CERTIFIED OR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED by the office of mental
health that are participating in the insurer's provider network. Where
the policy provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, benefits for
inpatient hospital care in a hospital as defined by subdivision ten of
section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law [provided to individuals who have
not attained the age of eighteen] shall not be subject to preauthori-
zation. Coverage provided under this subparagraph shall also not be
subject to concurrent utilization review during the first fourteen days
of the inpatient admission, provided the facility notifies the insurer
of both the admission and the initial treatment plan within two business
days of the admission ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT
IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE OFFICE OF MENTAL
HEALTH, performs daily clinical review of the patient, and [participates
in periodic consultation with the insurer to ensure that the facility is
using the evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review criteria
utilized by the insurer which is approved by the office of mental health
and appropriate to the age of the patient, to ensure that the inpatient
care is medically necessary for the patient] CONSULTS PERIODICALLY WITH
THE INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND
DISCHARGE PLAN. [All] INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-
INITIATED PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND
EXCEPT WHERE THE INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ALL treatment provided under
this subparagraph may be reviewed retrospectively. Where care is denied
retrospectively, an insured shall not have any financial obligation to
the facility for any treatment under this subparagraph other than any
copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise required under the poli-
cy.
§ 5. Subparagraph (D) of paragraph 6 of subsection (l) of section 3221
of the insurance law, as amended by section 15 of subpart A of part BB
of chapter 57 of the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(D) This subparagraph shall apply to facilities in this state that are
licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of [alcoholism
and substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS that are
participating in the insurer's provider network. Coverage provided under
this paragraph shall not be subject to preauthorization. Coverage
provided under this paragraph shall also not be subject to concurrent
utilization review during the first twenty-eight days of the inpatient
admission provided that the facility notifies the insurer of both the
admission and the initial treatment plan within two business days of the
admission ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSUL-
TATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE OFFICE OF ADDICTION
SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The facility shall perform daily clinical review
of the patient[, including periodic] AND CONSULT PERIODICALLY WITH THE
INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND
DISCHARGE PLAN. PERIODIC consultation with the insurer [at or just prior
to] SHALL OCCUR NO LATER THAN the fourteenth day of treatment [to ensure
that the facility is using the evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical
review tool utilized by the insurer which is designated by the office of
alcoholism and substance abuse services and appropriate to the age of
S. 5300 5
the patient, to ensure that the inpatient treatment is medically neces-
sary for the patient]. Prior to discharge, the facility shall provide
the patient and the insurer with a written discharge plan which shall
describe arrangements for additional services needed following discharge
from the inpatient facility as determined using the evidence-based and
peer-reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the insurer which is
designated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse services]
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. Prior to discharge, the facility shall
indicate to the insurer whether services included in the discharge plan
are secured or determined to be reasonably available. [Any] INSURERS
SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-INITIATED PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS
PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT WHERE THE INSURER FAILS TO
DO SO, ANY utilization review of treatment provided under this subpara-
graph may include a review of all services provided during such inpa-
tient treatment, including all services provided during the first twen-
ty-eight days of such inpatient treatment. Provided, however, the
insurer SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PROCESS CLAIMS FOR THE PROVISION OF SUCH
SERVICES WITHIN THE TIMEFRAMES ESTABLISHED IN SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION
THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR-A OF THIS ARTICLE AND shall only
deny coverage for any portion of the initial twenty-eight day inpatient
treatment on the basis that such treatment was not medically necessary
if such inpatient treatment was contrary to the evidence-based and peer
reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the insurer which is desig-
nated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse services]
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. An insured shall not have any financial
obligation to the facility for any treatment under this subparagraph
other than any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise required
under the policy.
§ 6. Subparagraph (E) of paragraph 7 of subsection (l) of section 3221
of the insurance law, as amended by section 17 of subpart A of part BB
of chapter 57 of the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(E) This subparagraph shall apply to facilities in this state that are
licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of [alcoholism
and substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS for the
provision of outpatient, intensive outpatient, outpatient rehabilitation
and opioid treatment that are participating in the insurer's provider
network. Coverage provided under this paragraph shall not be subject to
preauthorization. Coverage provided under this paragraph shall not be
subject to concurrent review for the first four weeks of continuous
treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight visits, provided the facility
notifies the insurer of both the start of treatment and the initial
treatment plan within two business days ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED
BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE
OFFICE OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The facility shall perform
clinical assessment of the patient at each visit[, including periodic]
AND CONSULT PERIODICALLY WITH THE INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S
PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND DISCHARGE PLAN. PERIODIC consultation
with the insurer [at or just prior to] SHALL OCCUR NO LATER THAN the
fourteenth day of treatment [to ensure that the facility is using the
evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the
insurer which is designated by the office of alcoholism and substance
abuse services and appropriate to the age of the patient, to ensure that
the outpatient treatment is medically necessary for the patient]. [Any]
INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-INITIATED PERIODIC
CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT WHERE THE
INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ANY utilization review of the treatment provided
S. 5300 6
under this subparagraph may include a review of all services provided
during such outpatient treatment, including all services provided during
the first four weeks of continuous treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight
visits, of such outpatient treatment. Provided, however, the insurer
shall only deny coverage for any portion of the initial four weeks of
continuous treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight visits, for outpatient
treatment on the basis that such treatment was not medically necessary
if such outpatient treatment was contrary to the evidence-based and peer
reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the insurer which is desig-
nated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse services]
ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. An insured shall not have any finan-
cial obligation to the facility for any treatment under this subpara-
graph other than any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise
required under the policy.
§ 7. Subsection (a) of section 3224-a of the insurance law, as amended
by chapter 237 of the laws of 2009, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Except in a case where the obligation of an insurer or an organ-
ization or corporation licensed or certified pursuant to article forty-
three or forty-seven of this chapter or article forty-four of the public
health law to pay a claim submitted by a policyholder or person covered
under such policy ("covered person") or make a payment to a health care
provider is not reasonably clear, or when there is a reasonable basis
supported by specific information available for review by the super-
intendent that such claim or bill for health care services rendered was
submitted fraudulently, such insurer or organization or corporation
shall pay the claim to a policyholder or covered person or make a
payment to a health care provider within thirty days of receipt of a
claim or bill for services rendered that is transmitted via the internet
or electronic mail, or forty-five days of receipt of a claim or bill for
services rendered that is submitted by other means, such as paper or
facsimile. THE OBLIGATION OF AN INSURER OR ORGANIZATION TO MAKE PAYMENT
TO A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
SERVICES THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO PREAUTHORIZATION OR CONCURRENT REVIEW
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN, THREE THOUSAND
TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, OR FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THREE OF THIS
CHAPTER SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED NOT REASONABLY CLEAR SOLELY BECAUSE THE
INSURER OR ORGANIZATION INTENDS TO PERFORM CONCURRENT REVIEW FOR SUCH
SERVICES BEFORE OR AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE TIMEFRAMES ESTABLISHED BY
THIS SUBSECTION.
§ 8. Paragraph 8 of subsection (g) of section 4303 of the insurance
law, as added by section 23 of subpart A of part BB of chapter 57 of the
laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(8) This paragraph shall apply to hospitals in this state that are
licensed, CERTIFIED OR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED by the office of mental
health that are participating in the [corporation's] INSURER'S provider
network. Where the contract provides coverage for inpatient hospital
care, benefits for inpatient hospital care in a hospital as defined by
subdivision ten of section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law [provided to
individuals who have not attained the age of eighteen] shall not be
subject to preauthorization. Coverage provided under this paragraph
shall also not be subject to concurrent utilization review during the
first fourteen days of the inpatient admission, provided the facility
notifies the [corporation] INSURER of both the admission and the initial
treatment plan within two business days of the admission ON A STANDARD-
IZED FORM DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPART-
MENT OF HEALTH AND THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, performs daily clinical
S. 5300 7
review of the patient, and [participates in periodic consultation with
the corporation to ensure that the facility is using the evidence-based
and peer reviewed clinical review criteria utilized by the corporation
which is approved by the office of mental health and appropriate to the
age of the patient, to ensure that the inpatient care is medically
necessary for the patient] CONSULTS PERIODICALLY WITH THE INSURER
REGARDING THE PATIENT'S PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND DISCHARGE
PLAN. [All] INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-INITIATED
PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT WHERE
THE INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ALL treatment provided under this paragraph
may be reviewed retrospectively. Where care is denied retrospectively,
an insured shall not have any financial obligation to the facility for
any treatment under this paragraph other than any copayment, coinsu-
rance, or deductible otherwise required under the contract.
§ 9. Paragraph 4 of subsection (k) of section 4303 of the insurance
law, as amended by section 26 of subpart A of part BB of chapter 57 of
the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(4) This paragraph shall apply to facilities in this state that are
licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of [alcoholism
and substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS that are
participating in the [corporation's] INSURER'S provider network. Cover-
age provided under this subsection shall not be subject to preauthori-
zation. Coverage provided under this subsection shall also not be
subject to concurrent utilization review during the first twenty-eight
days of the inpatient admission provided that the facility notifies the
[corporation] INSURER of both the admission and the initial treatment
plan within two business days of the admission ON A STANDARDIZED FORM
DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND THE OFFICE OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The facility
shall perform daily clinical review of the patient[, including periodic
consultation] AND CONSULT PERIODICALLY WITH THE INSURER REGARDING THE
PATIENT'S PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND DISCHARGE PLAN. PERIODIC
CONSULTATION with the [corporation at or just prior to] INSURER SHALL
OCCUR NOT LATER THAN the fourteenth day of treatment [to ensure that the
facility is using the evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review
tool utilized by the corporation which is designated by the office of
alcoholism and substance abuse services and appropriate to the age of
the patient, to ensure that the inpatient treatment is medically neces-
sary for the patient]. Prior to discharge, the facility shall provide
the patient and the [corporation] INSURER with a written discharge plan
which shall describe arrangements for additional services needed follow-
ing discharge from the inpatient facility as determined using the
evidence-based and peer-reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the
[corporation] INSURER which is designated by the office of [alcoholism
and substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. Prior to
discharge, the facility shall indicate to the [corporation] INSURER
whether services included in the discharge plan are secured or deter-
mined to be reasonably available. [Any] INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTIC-
IPATE IN FACILITY-INITIATED PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE
PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT WHERE THE INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ANY
utilization review of treatment provided under this paragraph may
include a review of all services provided during such inpatient treat-
ment, including all services provided during the first twenty-eight days
of such inpatient treatment. Provided, however, the [corporation] INSUR-
ER SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PROCESS CLAIMS FOR THE PROVISION OF SUCH
SERVICES WITHIN THE TIMEFRAMES ESTABLISHED IN SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION
S. 5300 8
THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR-A OF THIS CHAPTER AND shall only
deny coverage for any portion of the initial twenty-eight day inpatient
treatment on the basis that such treatment was not medically necessary
if such inpatient treatment was contrary to the evidence-based and peer
reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the [corporation] INSURER
which is designated by the office of [alcoholism and substance abuse
services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. An insured shall not have
any financial obligation to the facility for any treatment under this
paragraph other than any copayment, coinsurance, or deductible otherwise
required under the contract.
§ 10. Paragraph 5 of subsection (l) of section 4303 of the insurance
law, as amended by section 28 of subpart A of part BB of chapter 57 of
the laws of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(5) This paragraph shall apply to facilities in this state that are
licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of [alcoholism
and substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS for the
provision of outpatient, intensive outpatient, outpatient rehabilitation
and opioid treatment that are participating in the corporation's provid-
er network. Coverage provided under this subsection shall not be subject
to preauthorization. Coverage provided under this subsection shall not
be subject to concurrent review for the first four weeks of continuous
treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight visits, provided the facility
notifies the corporation of both the start of treatment and the initial
treatment plan within two business days ON A STANDARDIZED FORM DEVELOPED
BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE
OFFICE OF ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. The facility shall perform
clinical assessment of the patient at each visit[, including periodic]
AND CONSULT PERIODICALLY WITH THE INSURER REGARDING THE PATIENT'S
PROGRESS, COURSE OF TREATMENT, AND DISCHARGE PLAN. PERIODIC consultation
with the corporation [at or just prior to] SHALL OCCUR NO LATER THAN the
fourteenth day of treatment [to ensure that the facility is using the
evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the
corporation which is designated by the office of alcoholism and
substance abuse services and appropriate to the age of the patient, to
ensure that the outpatient treatment is medically necessary for the
patient]. [Any] INSURERS SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN FACILITY-INITIAT-
ED PERIODIC CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S DISCHARGE AND EXCEPT
WHERE THE INSURER FAILS TO DO SO, ANY utilization review of the treat-
ment provided under this paragraph may include a review of all services
provided during such outpatient treatment, including all services
provided during the first four weeks of continuous treatment, not to
exceed twenty-eight visits, of such outpatient treatment. Provided,
however, the corporation shall only deny coverage for any portion of the
initial four weeks of continuous treatment, not to exceed twenty-eight
visits, for outpatient treatment on the basis that such treatment was
not medically necessary if such outpatient treatment was contrary to the
evidence-based and peer reviewed clinical review tool utilized by the
corporation which is designated by the office of [alcoholism and
substance abuse services] ADDICTION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS. [A subscrib-
er] AN INSURED shall not have any financial obligation to the facility
for any treatment under this paragraph other than any copayment, coinsu-
rance, or deductible otherwise required under the contract.
§ 11. Section 109 of the insurance law is amended by adding a new
subsection (e) to read as follows:
(E) IN ADDITION TO ANY RIGHT OF ACTION GRANTED TO THE SUPERINTENDENT
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN INJURED BY REASON OF A
S. 5300 9
VIOLATION OF PARAGRAPHS THIRTY, THIRTY-ONE, THIRTY-ONE-A AND THIRTY-FIVE
OF SUBSECTION (I) OF SECTION THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN, PARA-
GRAPHS FIVE, SIX, SEVEN AND SEVEN-A OF SUBSECTION (L) OF SECTION THREE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, AND SUBSECTIONS (G), (K), (L) OR (L-1)
OF SECTION FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED THREE OF THIS CHAPTER BY AN
INSURER SUBJECT TO ARTICLE THIRTY-TWO OR FORTY-THREE OF THIS CHAPTER MAY
BRING AN ACTION IN HIS OR HER OWN NAME TO ENJOIN SUCH UNLAWFUL ACT OR
PRACTICE, AN ACTION TO RECOVER HIS OR HER ACTUAL DAMAGES OR ONE THOUSAND
DOLLARS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, OR BOTH SUCH ACTIONS. THE COURT MAY, IN
ITS DISCRETION, AWARD THE PREVAILING PLAINTIFF IN SUCH ACTION AN ADDI-
TIONAL AWARD NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, IF THE COURT FINDS THE
DEFENDANT WILLFULLY VIOLATED THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. THE COURT
MAY AWARD REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES TO A PREVAILING PLAINTIFF.
§ 12. This act shall take effect January 1, 2025.
PART B
Section 1. Subparagraph (A) of paragraph 31-a of subsection (i) of
section 3216 of the insurance law, as added by chapter 748 of the laws
of 2019, is amended to read as follows:
(A) No policy that provides medical, major medical or similar compre-
hensive-type coverage and provides coverage for prescription drugs for
medication for the treatment of a substance use disorder shall require
prior authorization for an initial or renewal prescription for SUCH
DRUGS FOR THE DETOXIFICATION OR MAINTENANCE OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER,
INCLUDING all buprenorphine products, methadone [or], long acting
injectable naltrexone [for detoxification or maintenance treatment of a
substance use disorder] AND MEDICATION FOR OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL
PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED TO AN INDIVIDUAL COVERED UNDER THE POLICY,
except where otherwise prohibited by law.
§ 2. Subparagraph (A) of paragraph 7-a of subsection (l) of section
3221 of the insurance law, as added by chapter 748 of the laws of 2019,
is amended to read as follows:
(A) NO POLICY THAT PROVIDES MEDICAL, MAJOR MEDICAL OR SIMILAR COMPRE-
HENSIVE-TYPE SMALL GROUP COVERAGE AND PROVIDES COVERAGE FOR PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS FOR MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SHALL
REQUIRE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FOR AN INITIAL OR RENEWAL PRESCRIPTION FOR
SUCH DRUGS FOR THE DETOXIFICATION OR MAINTENANCE OF A SUBSTANCE USE
DISORDER, INCLUDING ALL BUPRENORPHINE PRODUCTS, METHADONE, LONG ACTING
INJECTABLE NALTREXONE, AND MEDICATION FOR OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL
PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED TO AN INDIVIDUAL COVERED UNDER THE POLICY,
EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Every policy that provides
medical, major medical or similar comprehensive-type large group cover-
age shall provide COVERAGE FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR MEDICATION FOR THE
TREATMENT OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND SHALL PROVIDE immediate cover-
age for all buprenorphine products, methadone [or], long acting injecta-
ble naltrexone, AND MEDICATION FOR OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL PRESCRIBED
OR DISPENSED TO AN INDIVIDUAL COVERED UNDER THE POLICY without prior
authorization for the detoxification or maintenance treatment of a
substance use disorder, EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
§ 3. Paragraph (A) of subsection (l-1) of section 4303 of the insur-
ance law, as added by chapter 748 of the laws of 2019, is amended to
read as follows:
(A) NO CONTRACT THAT PROVIDES MEDICAL, MAJOR MEDICAL OR SIMILAR
COMPREHENSIVE-TYPE INDIVIDUAL OR SMALL GROUP COVERAGE AND PROVIDES
COVERAGE FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF A
S. 5300 10
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SHALL REQUIRE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FOR AN INITIAL
OR RENEWAL PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCH DRUGS FOR THE DETOXIFICATION OR MAINTE-
NANCE OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, INCLUDING ALL BUPRENORPHINE PRODUCTS,
METHADONE, LONG ACTING INJECTABLE NALTREXONE, AND MEDICATION FOR OPIOID
OVERDOSE REVERSAL PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED TO AN INDIVIDUAL COVERED UNDER
THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Every contract
that provides medical, major medical, or similar comprehensive-type
large group coverage shall provide COVERAGE FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR
MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND SHALL
PROVIDE immediate coverage for all buprenorphine products, methadone
[or], long acting injectable naltrexone, AND MEDICATION FOR OPIOID OVER-
DOSE REVERSAL PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED TO AN INDIVIDUAL COVERED UNDER THE
CONTRACT without prior authorization for the detoxification or mainte-
nance treatment of a substance use disorder, EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE
PROHIBITED BY LAW.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
§ 2. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi-
sion, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect,
impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in
its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section
or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg-
ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of
the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such
invalid provisions had not been included herein.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately provided, however, that
the applicable effective date of Parts A through B of this act shall be
as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.