NY A06704

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

Removes the definition of fail-first or step therapy protocols from the list of permissible treatment limitations for mental health benefits in insurance law.

Applies to individual health insurance policies, group policies, school blanket policies, and health maintenance organization contracts.

Requires mental health benefits, including drug coverage, to follow the same financial requirements and treatment limitations as medical and surgical benefits under the policy.

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