Relates to third-party network contracts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

The bill relates to contracts with third-party networks in health care, focusing on terms, transparency, and regulatory oversight.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE

What the bill is and who sponsors it

Bill number: S 7919

Title: Relates to third-party network contracts

Sponsor (primary): James Skoufis

Introduced: May 14, 2025

Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance

Legislative actions to date: Both instances on May 14, 2025 show the bill being referred to Insurance (listed twice in the record)

What is known about the bill’s purpose

The bill’s title indicates it concerns contracts involving third-party networks. In health care and insurance contexts, such networks often refer to third-party administrators or networks that manage provider access, networks, or benefits on behalf of insurers or health plans.

The exact objectives, duties, and reforms the bill would implement are not provided in the available information. No specific provisions, definitions, or regulatory requirements are included in the summary you supplied.

What the bill would potentially address (contextual implications)

Because the text is not provided, the following are typical issues such bills tend to explore. These are not claims about S 7919 itself, but illustrative topics that similar legislation may cover:
- Transparency: disclosure of contract terms, pricing, and timely information to providers, insureds, and regulators.
- Network adequacy and access: standards for ensuring sufficient provider networks and reasonable access for beneficiaries.
- Rate setting and negotiation: rules governing how rates are established or negotiated between insurers and third-party networks.
- Consumer protections: protections for patients or insureds related to network participation, balance billing, or claim processing.
- Reporting and compliance: new reporting requirements or oversight mechanisms for third-party networks.

Who would be affected

Insurers and third-party networks: potential changes in contract standards, disclosure, and regulatory oversight.

Healthcare providers within the network: changes in contract terms, payment practices, and network participation.

Consumers/insureds: potential impact on network access, cost transparency, and protections against surprise or balance billing (depending on final provisions).

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill has been referred to the Senate Insurance Committee, indicating it will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and a public or private hearing process before consideration on the Senate floor.

A companion bill exists in the Assembly: A 6650. This companion status suggests parallel consideration in the other chamber, which could influence timing if both houses act on similar language.

How to follow or obtain more details

The exact text, definitions, and provisions are not included here. To understand the bill’s substantive changes, check:

The official New York State Legislature website for the text, amendments, and committee reports
Amendments and sponsorship changes
The Assembly companion (A 6650) for parallel language and progress
Floor votes and fiscal impact statements if/when released

This summary provides what is publicly known from the metadata. For a precise understanding of S 7919’s substantive provisions and potential impact, the official bill text is required.

Bill