NY A08537

Expands insurance coverage requirements in New York to include chest wall reconstruction surgery in addition to breast reconstruction after mastectomy or partial mastectomy across individual and group health insurance policies and health service contracts.

Defines chest wall reconstruction surgery to include aesthetic flat closure as defined by the National Cancer Institute as a covered procedure subject to applicable deductibles and coinsurance.

Requires insurers to provide written notice to policyholders prior to policy inception and annually thereafter regarding availability of breast or chest wall reconstruction coverage.

Mandates that the Department of Health's standardized written summary on breast cancer treatment alternatives include information on chest wall reconstructive surgery options and aesthetic flat closure procedures.

Requires general hospitals providing mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or lumpectomy to provide patients with written advance notice of reconstructive surgery options, including aesthetic flat closure, and coverage availability before obtaining surgical consent.