NY A00021

Requires all medical, major medical, and comprehensive-type insurance policies to provide coverage for children under age 18 for services related to diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous, or emotional disorders or ailments.

Coverage must include biologically based mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances treated at psychiatric centers under the office of mental health, other psychiatric in-patient facilities, or state-maintained psychiatric facilities.

Coverage must be equal to coverage for other mental health diagnoses and treatments with no additional cost sharing requirements for patients.

Applies to insurance policies under Article 49 (health maintenance organizations) and Article 42 (disability insurers) in addition to Article 48 (hospital and health service plans).

Takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to any policy issued, delivered, renewed, or modified on or after the effective date.