New York Senate Bill S08619

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/17/25
• Refer: 12/17/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires fiscal notes to be included on any bill which imposes a new mandated insurance benefit or service; expands an existing mandated insurance benefit or service, or adds, expands or requires coverage of any benefit or service under the Medicaid fee-for-service program; requires such fiscal notes to include an actuarial analysis of the potential impact on insurance premiums as a result of such new or expanded mandated insurance benefit or service.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly influence how the state evaluates proposed legislation that affects insurance regulations. By mandating fiscal notes for bills that introduce or modify mandated benefits, S08619 seeks to provide legislators with critical financial data about the potential costs associated with these changes. This could lead to more informed decision-making and greater accountability regarding how new insurance mandates might affect insurance premiums for New York residents. Additionally, it is likely to prompt a more rigorous examination of the fiscal implications of Medicaid services, which could impact budgeting for both the state and local social services districts.

Summary

Bill S08619 aims to amend New York's legislative law to require that any proposed legislation imposing new mandated insurance benefits or expanding existing benefits must include a fiscal note. This fiscal note should detail the estimated annual cost to policyholders regarding their insurance premiums, as well as an actuarial analysis of the potential insurance premium impact across different segments of the insurance market. The bill specifically targets enhancements or expansions to mandated insurance services and benefits under the Medicaid fee-for-service program, ensuring that such proposals are financially transparent to the legislature and the public.

Contention

There could be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding how comprehensively the actuarial analysis should be conducted and who will bear the costs of preparing these fiscal notes. Legislators may debate the implications of increased scrutiny on mandated benefits and might raise concerns about whether this could deter the introduction of beneficial healthcare legislation. Moreover, there may be discussions about the potential burden this requirement places on legislative processes, which can affect timely deliberation on pressing health issues faced by constituents.