BILL NUMBER: S9651

SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to expanding the existing
definition of wellness programs

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To establish insurance coverage for wellness program(s) to address
impacts of technology use on the mental and physical well being of chil-
dren, adolescents, and young adults

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Legislative Findings.

Section 2. The insurance law is amended by adding subdivision 13 to
Section 3239 of the insurance law to include insurance coverage for
wellness program(s) to address impacts of technology use on the mental
and physical well being of children, adolescents, and young adults.
              

Section 3. Establishes the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Social media and other technological platforms have become a part of
people's daily lives and many times can serve as a positive way to
connect, communicate, and explore. However, multiple studies have found
a strong link between excessive social media use and an increased risk
for depression, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, self-harm, and even
suicidal thoughts. A 2022 study in the United States found that consum-
ers were spending on average 13 hours with media and technology per day.
Furthermore, seven in ten people surveyed said they would feel
depressed, panicked, or helpless if their mobile device was lost or
stolen.

Technology will continue to advance as will our upcoming generations.
The, average person spends almost 2.5 hours on social media every day.
It is evident that more and more children, adolescents, young adults,
and adults will engage with social media such as Instagram, Snapchat,
Facebook, TikTok and other technological platforms such as laptops,
monitors, and televisions. In addition to social media apps, members of
Gen-Z spend a shocking nine hours per day in front of a screen.

Problematic social media use is particularly relevant for teenagers and
young adults. In 2018, 70% of U.S. teenagers report using social media
multiple times per day. Excessive social media use is considered
anything above 2 hours a day, and can potentially put an individual at
risk for an addiction to social media, as well as poor mental and phys-
ical health.

By developing wellness programs through insurance plans for their enrol-
lees that are designed to address impacts of social media/technological
use on the mental and physical well being of youth, New York is paving
yet another way to improve and promote the health of current and future
residents. This expansion of the definition of wellness programs to
include coverage to address impacts of social media use on the mental
and physical well being of children, adolescents, and young adults will
encourage individuals to lead healthier lifestyles and provide them
proper resources to do so, thus driving better health and mental health
outcomes across all ages.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-24: New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law.