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Bill

A 7249

Requires insurance companies to issue joint checks for payment to an insured and a health care provider in certain circumstances

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Requires insurance payments to be issued as joint checks payable to the insured and a health care provider in certain cases, improving payment accuracy and timeliness.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7249

Bill A 7249 – Summary

Overview

Bill A 7249, introduced March 21, 2025, is a proposal in the New York State Assembly that would require insurance companies to issue joint checks for certain payments. Specifically, the bill would mandate that some insurance payments be made jointly payable to both the insured and a health care provider. The primary sponsor is J. Gary Pretlow.

Status and process:
- Status: Referred to the Assembly Insurance Committee.
- Legislative actions to date: Two identical entries on March 21, 2025 noting “REFERRED TO INSURANCE.”
- Related bills (prior-session): A 368, A 3929, A 6290, A 1728, A 2839, A 3215, A 3676.

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to improve the accountability and flow of funds when insurance payments cover medical services. By requiring joint checks, the intent is likely to ensure that health care providers receive payment for services rendered and that funds are processed in a manner that protects both patients (insured) and providers from potential misallocation or delays in payment.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Insurance companies would be required to issue checks jointly payable to the insured and the health care provider in certain circumstances.
  • The bill would define what constitutes “certain circumstances” under which joint checks must be issued (these definitions would be in the full text of the bill).
  • The scope could cover payouts related to medical services covered by insurance policies, but the exact coverage (types of policies, claim categories, or thresholds) is not specified in the summary provided here.
  • Enforcement, compliance timelines, and any penalties or remedies would be established in the bill text (not detailed in the available overview).

Impact and who would be affected

  • Affected parties:
    • Insurance companies (responsible for issuing joint checks when the criteria are met).
    • Insured individuals (patients) who receive medical services and whose payments may be routed jointly with providers. -Health care providers (doctors, clinics, hospitals) who would receive payments directly via joint checks.
  • Potential effects:
    • Improved visibility and tracking of payments for medical services.
    • Reduced risk of misdirected funds or delays in payment to providers.
    • Administrative considerations for insurers to implement joint-check workflows.

Timeline and next steps

  • After introduction and referral to the Insurance Committee, the bill would move through committee consideration, potential amendments, and, if advanced, floor consideration by both chambers. The exact timeline depends on committee actions and legislative calendar.

Related context

  • The bill is part of ongoing discussions reflected in related Assembly bills from prior sessions (A 368, A 3929, A 6290, A 1728, A 2839, A 3215, A 3676), which may address similar themes around payment practices in insurance.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize consumer protections, administrative burden on insurers, or potential fiscal implications once the full text becomes available.

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

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