WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 8839

Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 3 co-sponsors

Prohibits insurer discrimination based on mental health or substance use disorders; ensures equal benefits, underwriting, and premiums, improving coverage access and fairness.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8839

Summary of Bill A 8839 (New York State)

Title

Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder

Purpose and intent

A 8839 aims to prohibit insurers from discriminating against individuals due to mental health or substance use disorders. The bill’s core objective is to ensure that people seeking or receiving treatment for these conditions are not treated less favorably than those with other medical conditions, addressing potential inequities in coverage, eligibility, pricing, and benefits.

Key provisions (as described by the bill’s title and typical anti-discrimination framework)

  • Prohibition on discriminatory practices by insurers related to mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Equal treatment in plan benefits, underwriting, premiums, and eligibility compared with other medical conditions.
  • Protection against denials, limitations, or exclusions of coverage specifically rooted in mental health or substance use status.
  • Potential parity requirements to align mental health/substance use benefits with medical/surgical benefits (in line with broader parity concepts, though the exact text is not provided here).
  • Administrative and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and to address violations.

Note: The exact statutory text of A 8839 is not provided here, so the above reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical provisions associated with anti-discrimination and parity in insurance. The precise language, scope, and any carve-outs would appear in the enacted text if the bill advances.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals with mental health or substance use disorders seeking or receiving health insurance coverage.
  • Insurance providers and the underwriting/claims processes they operate.
  • Employers and organizations offering insured coverage, including small businesses, that purchase or provide health plans.
  • Healthcare providers and treatment programs serving insured patients, due to potential changes in coverage determinations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: June 9, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Insurance (the bill is currently being considered by the Assembly’s Insurance Committee).
  • Legislative path: If advanced, would move to consideration by the full Assembly; a companion bill exists in the Senate (S 8426), indicating parallel activity in both houses. Final enactment would require passage by both houses and signature by the Governor.

Sponsors

  • Primary: Jo Anne Simon
  • Cosponsors: Phil Steck, Dana Levenberg, Keith Brown

Related bills

  • S 8426 (Senate companion)

Potential impact

  • Improved access to insurance coverage for mental health and substance use treatment.
  • Reduction of discriminatory practices in underwriting and benefit design.
  • Possible shifts in premium or cost-sharing structures, depending on statutory details and enforcement.

If you want to monitor progress, follow updates on the Assembly Insurance Committee’s agenda for A 8839 and any actions on the Senate companion S 8426.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.