NY A07522

Prohibits insurance companies from applying fail-first or step therapy protocols to drugs prescribed for serious mental health conditions under health insurance policies and contracts.

Eliminates prior authorization requirements for drugs prescribed for serious mental health conditions as established under Insurance Law section 4903(h).

Defines "serious mental health condition" to include bipolar disorders, depression in childhood and adolescence, major depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, paranoid and other psychotic disorders, schizoaffective disorders, and schizophrenia.

Extends outpatient drug coverage to mental health benefits under individual and group health insurance policies and HMO contracts.

Takes effect on January 1 following enactment and applies to all policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after that date.