Gov. Cuomo: Health Insurers Must Provide Coverage For Necessary Substance Abuse Treatment

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced an action to ensure health insurers provide coverage for necessary substance abuse treatment. 

The Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to health insurers outlining the new insurance coverage requirements for substance abuse treatment.  This follows the landmark legislation that Gov. Cuomo signed earlier this year to combat the heroin and opioid crisis in New York State.

Under the new law, health insurers would be required to cover medication, including naloxone, for detoxification or maintenance treatment of substance use disorders under large group policies. This new requirement mirrors coverage for smaller groups and individual policies.

Governor Cuomo said:

Health insurers have an obligation to cover costs for lifesaving substance abuse treatment and our administration will have zero tolerance for those who seek to sidestep this responsibility. This action is an important step toward breaking the cycle of addiction and ending the epidemic of opioid abuse once and for all

Health insurers will also be required to provide coverage without preauthorization for inpatient substance abuse treatment in facilities that participate in their networks and are certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, according to a press release.