NY A09865

Requires health insurance plans and managed care products to cover services provided by licensed healthcare providers under Education Law articles 132, 136, 153, 155, 156, or 160, with only reasonable deductibles, copayments, and utilization review allowed.

Mandates fee parity so health services plan providers cannot pay licensed healthcare providers less than other professionals under Education Law Title 8 for identical services with the same procedural code, except for geographic cost differences or evidence-based quality improvement programs.

Requires healthcare practitioners to discuss and refer patients to nonpharmacological treatment alternatives (chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy, psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise) before prescribing opioids for neuromusculoskeletal pain conditions, with exceptions for cancer, hospice, post-surgery, and medical emergencies.

Allows patients to use certified statements from any licensed healthcare provider to qualify for property tax disability exemptions, disabled license plates, and permits school districts to employ licensed healthcare providers as health professionals.

Requires health services plan providers to file annual compliance reports with the Department of Health, Department of Financial Services, and Department of Labor by February 1st, with penalties of at least $1,000 per day for late filing, and creates a private right of action for patients to recover damages and seek punitive damages for violations.