NY A03276

Prohibits health insurance policies and group contracts from applying fail-first or step therapy protocols to mental health condition coverage, including drug coverage.

Removes fail-first and step therapy protocols from the definition of permissible "treatment limitations" in insurance law sections covering mental health benefits.

Applies the prohibition to three types of coverage: individual health insurance policies (Section 3216), group and school blanket policies (Section 3221), and health maintenance organization contracts (Section 4303).

Takes effect immediately and applies to all policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the effective date.