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Bill

S 8352

Requires insurance coverage of outpatient problem gambling services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo

Requires insured health plans to cover outpatient problem gambling services (evaluation, counseling), expanding access for individuals with gambling disorder.

REFERRED TO RULES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 8352

S 8352 — Requires insurance coverage of outpatient problem gambling services

Overview and intent

S 8352 would mandate that health insurance policies provide coverage for outpatient problem gambling services. The bill aims to improve access to treatment for individuals with gambling disorder by ensuring that outpatient evaluation, counseling, and related services are covered by insurers.

What the bill would do

  • Requires insurance coverage for outpatient problem gambling services as part of health insurance policies.
  • Seeks to reduce barriers to access by ensuring treatment services are covered similarly to other behavioral or mental health services (specific parity or scope details are not provided in the available information).

Key provisions and details (as available)

  • Coverage scope: Outpatient problem gambling services would be required to be covered under insured health plans.
  • Information gaps: The provided materials do not include detailed language on:
    • Definitions of “outpatient problem gambling services” or “problem gambling” itself
    • Any limits, deductibles, copayments, or visit/annual caps
    • Parity with other mental health or substance use disorder benefits
    • Applicability to self-insured plans, public programs, or out-of-network provisions
    • Implementation timeline or effective date

Note: Without the bill text, the exact operational details (who must comply, which plans are covered, and any exemptions) remain unspecified.

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
  • Companion bill: A 8518 (listed as a companion in the provided information)
  • Status: Referred to Rules (as of June 4, 2025)

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Individuals with gambling disorder: Potentially greater access to outpatient treatment due to mandated insurance coverage.
  • Insurers and health plans: Requirement to cover outpatient problem gambling services could influence plan design, coverage rules, and administration; may have cost and premium implications depending on the scope and exclusions determined in the final bill.
  • Employers with insured or self-insured plans: If applicable to their plans, they could face changes in coverage requirements.

Procedural status and next steps

  • Current status: Referred to Rules on June 4, 2025.
  • Next steps: To assess the bill’s exact provisions, readers should review the full bill text when available and monitor any committee hearings or amendments. Also compare with the companion A 8518 for potential alignment or differences.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the bill text once it’s released to provide more precise details on definitions, coverage scope, and any cost-sharing or implementation timelines.

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

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