New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08136

Introduced
5/1/25  
Refer
5/1/25  

Caption

Authorizes insurance policies which provide coverage for prescription drugs where cost-sharing obligations are determined by category of prescription drugs to offer a program to insureds that utilizes rebates or discounts to lower an insured's cost-sharing for prescription drugs if the insured's cost-sharing under such program would be more favorable than the cost-sharing that would otherwise be applicable to the prescription drug.

Impact

The impact of A08136 on state laws is significant, as it modifies existing provisions concerning how cost-sharing obligations are handled for prescription drugs. By allowing insurers to implement programs that utilize rebates or discounts, the bill aims to create a more flexible and beneficial cost-sharing structure for insured individuals. This legislative change is expected to provide immediate financial relief to patients, particularly those who may struggle with high out-of-pocket costs associated with prescription medications.

Summary

Bill A08136 proposes amendments to the insurance and public health laws in New York, specifically addressing the coverage of prescription drugs under insurance policies. It allows for insurance policies which offer coverage for prescription drugs to provide a program utilizing rebates or discounts. These rebates are intended to lower the insured's cost-sharing obligations below the standard cost-sharing applicable to the prescription drugs under their current plan. The bill aims to enhance affordability for patients who rely on medications covered by their health insurance.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding A08136 may arise around how the implementation of such rebate programs will be regulated and whether they adequately protect consumers. Critics could argue that while the intention is to reduce costs, the potential for increased complexities in coverage terms may lead to confusion among insured individuals. Additionally, concerns may also surface regarding how these changes could affect the overall pricing and availability of certain drugs in the marketplace, given the involvement of rebate structures.

Companion Bills

NY S07900

Same As Authorizes insurance policies which provide coverage for prescription drugs where cost-sharing obligations are determined by category of prescription drugs to offer a program to insureds that utilizes rebates or discounts to lower an insured's cost-sharing for prescription drugs if the insured's cost-sharing under such program would be more favorable than the cost-sharing that would otherwise be applicable to the prescription drug.

Previously Filed As

NY S07900

Authorizes insurance policies which provide coverage for prescription drugs where cost-sharing obligations are determined by category of prescription drugs to offer a program to insureds that utilizes rebates or discounts to lower an insured's cost-sharing for prescription drugs if the insured's cost-sharing under such program would be more favorable than the cost-sharing that would otherwise be applicable to the prescription drug.

NY HB2364

Prohibiting certain health insurers from requiring cost-sharing for nonopioid prescription drugs or providing less favorable coverage for such drug than that for opioid or narcotic prescription drugs for the treatment of pain.

NY SB299

Enacts provisions relating to cost-sharing for prescription drugs

NY SB227

Cap cost sharing for prescription insulin drugs

NY SB1199

Prescription drug cost sharing.

NY HB263

Cap cost sharing for prescription insulin drugs, diabetes devices

NY HB448

Apply prescription drug rebates to cost-sharing requirements

NY HF3652

Cost-sharing for epilepsy-related prescription drugs and medical supplies limited.

NY A02126

Establishes a pilot program on the referenced rate for prescription drugs; relates to reducing the cost of prescription drugs by establishing maximum wholesale drug prices that are the same as the prices in Canada.

NY S01351

Establishes a pilot program on the referenced rate for prescription drugs; relates to reducing the cost of prescription drugs by establishing maximum wholesale drug prices that are the same as the prices in Canada.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2291

Opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal

CA AB577

Health care coverage: antisteering.

RI H8318

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

RI S2889

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

HI SB2751

Relating To Workers' Compensation.

HI HB2225

Relating To Health.

RI H5866

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a sixty-day (60) supply may be dispensed at any one time.

RI S0795

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a ninety-day (90) supply may be dispensed at any one time.