Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that the Assembly unanimously passed a bill she authored to expand health insurance coverage for concurrent symptoms and side effects without additional prior authorization (A.1129).

“New Yorkers battling a serious illness should never have to spend time fighting with their insurance company over coverage for a medically necessary treatment or procedure,” said Hunter. “This bill will help ensure patients get the care they need – not just part of it.”

The bill guarantees that any complementary medical procedures related to previous treatments or procedures, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy, are covered without prior authorization. This legislation expands on the current statute which ensures that surgical or invasive procedures don’t require prior authorization. The measure also establishes guidelines for appealing denied claims.

While most insurers currently cover the concurrent procedures, some have denied reimbursement after the necessary procedure is performed. Requiring reimbursement for treatment stemming from authorized care will put an end to this exploitative, shameful practice, Hunter noted.