New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01634

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
5/28/26  

Caption

Requires health care plans and payors to have a minimum of twelve and one-half percent of their total expenditures on physical and mental health annually be for primary care services.

Impact

The enactment of S01634 is expected to have a significant impact on existing laws governing healthcare spending in New York State. By setting a mandatory percentage for primary care investment, the bill would introduce new reporting requirements for insurance plans and payors, thus increasing transparency around healthcare expenditures. Over time, this could lead to improved allocation of funds toward primary care, addressing the historic underfunding that has plagued the sector. This change reflects a broader movement towards value-based care in the healthcare system, which prioritizes patient outcomes over the volume of services provided.

Summary

Bill S01634, known as the Primary Care Investment Act, introduces a mandate for health care plans and payors to allocate a minimum of twelve and one-half percent of their annual total expenditures on physical and mental health to primary care services. This legislation aims to strengthen primary care infrastructure by ensuring that enough resources are dedicated to primary care, which is often seen as a foundational aspect of an effective healthcare system. Supporters argue that by increasing investment in primary care, the bill will improve health outcomes and patient access to essential services.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the bill has drawn significant debate among legislators and stakeholders. Proponents argue that it will enhance access and quality of care, particularly in underserved communities, while also reducing the overall costs of healthcare by emphasizing preventative care. Conversely, critics raise concerns about the feasibility of the mandated spending requirements for smaller insurance companies and payors, who may struggle to meet these new benchmarks. Additionally, there are worries regarding the collection of data on spending, which might pose administrative challenges. The debate continues regarding the balance between ensuring adequate funding for primary care and the possible financial burden imposed on healthcare providers.

Companion Bills

NY A01915

Same As Requires health care plans and payors to have a minimum of twelve and one-half percent of their total expenditures on physical and mental health annually be for primary care services.

Previously Filed As

NY A01915

Requires health care plans and payors to have a minimum of twelve and one-half percent of their total expenditures on physical and mental health annually be for primary care services.

NY A09471

Relates to conditions under which non-public residential health care facilities may withdraw equity or assets totaling five percent of total reported annual revenue for patient care services without prior notification to the commissioner of health.

NY S08804

Relates to conditions under which non-public residential health care facilities may withdraw equity or assets totaling five percent of total reported annual revenue for patient care services without prior notification to the commissioner of health.

NY S05150

Amends the definition of "health care personnel" to define the term "temporary services" as health care services contracted for an initial term of less than twenty-four continuous months; requires a temporary health care services agency to annually submit to the department of health copies of all contracts between the agency and a health care entity to which it assigns or refers health care personnel.

NY A08700

Amends the definition of "health care personnel" to define the term "temporary services" as health care services contracted for an initial term of less than twenty-four continuous months; requires a temporary health care services agency to annually submit to the department of health copies of all contracts between the agency and a health care entity to which it assigns or refers health care personnel.

NY A06987

Requires covered entities report to the department of health regarding certain 340B drug discounts and what percentage of patients benefit from such discounts.

NY A10142

Relates to veterans' health care; creates a veteran health care review to ensure veterans and their families have access to health and mental health treatment, including for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, reproductive and mental health conditions, and suicide prevention.

NY S07129

Relates to veterans' health care; creates a veteran health care review to ensure veterans and their families have access to health and mental health treatment, including for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, reproductive and mental health conditions, and suicide prevention.

NY S08380

Requires covered entities report to the department of health regarding certain 340B drug discounts and what percentage of patients benefit from such discounts.

NY A1356

Requires health benefits plans and carriers to meet certain requirements concerning network adequacy and mental health care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.