New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10820

Introduced
4/1/26  

Caption

Requires managed care providers and the medical assistance program shall cover prescription drugs approved by the federal food and drug administration for chronic weight management in adults with obesity with at least one weight-related condition.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding health coverage, particularly by expanding the range of treatments for obesity that must be covered under managed care plans. By doing so, it aligns New York with broader healthcare goals of improving public health and reducing the burden of obesity on the healthcare system. Proponents of the bill argue that this change will lead to better health outcomes for individuals affected by obesity, allowing them to access medications that can support their weight management efforts effectively.

Summary

Bill A10820 proposes an amendment to the social services law to ensure that managed care providers and the medical assistance program are mandated to cover prescription drugs that have been approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults who are obese and have at least one weight-related condition. This legislative measure aims to improve access to necessary medications for individuals struggling with obesity, recognizing it as a significant health issue that can lead to various comorbidities.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill’s implementation. Critics might argue about the potential financial implications for managed care providers and whether this could lead to increased premiums for consumers. Additionally, discussions could arise concerning the definition of 'obesity' and the criteria for coverage, which might affect who qualifies for the benefits under this bill. There could also be debates on the efficacy of weight management drugs and the long-term implications of subsidizing these medications.

Companion Bills

NY S05798

Same As Requires managed care providers and the medical assistance program shall cover prescription drugs approved by the federal food and drug administration for chronic weight management in adults with obesity with at least one weight-related condition.

Previously Filed As

NY S05798

Requires managed care providers and the medical assistance program shall cover prescription drugs approved by the federal food and drug administration for chronic weight management in adults with obesity with at least one weight-related condition.

NY S09497

Requires insurers to cover the substitution of a brand name prescription drug when the federal food and drug administration has declared that there is a supply issue with a generic drug.

NY A2718

Requires continued coverage of prescription drugs for certain medical conditions.

NY S10136

Requires insurance companies, medical expense indemnity corporations, hospital service corporations, health service corporations and medical assistance programs to provide coverage for prescribed antiviral therapeutics approved by the food and drug administration for the treatment of COVID-19 at no cost to the patient.

NY HF4142

Medical assistance coverage of prescription drugs solely for weight loss prohibited.

NY S07562

Requires prescription drug containers be labeled with a description of the size, shape, color and imprint of the prescription drug it contains.

NY S09985

Enacts the "foreign drug transparency act" to provide information on the origin, manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs; requires a pharmacy benefit manager to maintain, and make available to pharmacies, health plans, and patients upon request, supply chain information for prescription drugs covered under its network.

NY A10967

Enacts the "foreign drug transparency act" to provide information on the origin, manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs; requires a pharmacy benefit manager to maintain, and make available to pharmacies, health plans, and patients upon request, supply chain information for prescription drugs covered under its network.

NY SF2075

Health plans coverage of the management and treatment of obesity requirement

NY SB837

Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Coverage and Utilization Review - Drugs Reviewed by the Prescription Drug Affordability Board

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.