BILL NUMBER: S3654A
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to requiring health
insurers to provide coverage for speech therapy for stuttering
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to grant insurance coverage for those
suffering from stuttering.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill amends the insurance law to require insurers to provide cover-
age for costs related to stuttering, including speech therapy. Such
treatment must be recommended by a licensed health care provider. The
act would apply to policies and contracts that are issued on or after
the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Millions of Americans suffer from stuttering. Stuttering can occur in
childhood or can result from an underlying adverse medical condition or
occurrence, such as a stroke or a brain injury. Stuttering can also
develop due to the genetic predisposition of the person, their neurophy-
siology, and even family dynamics. Unfortunately, not all insurers
provide coverage for this condition. This bill, which is patterned after
similar legislation in other states, will ensure that stuttering is
covered throughout our state.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATION FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
One hundred twenty days after becoming a law, with provisions.

Statutes affected:
S3654: 3216 insurance law, 3216(i) insurance law, 3221 insurance law, 3221(k) insurance law, 4303 insurance law
S3654A: 3216 insurance law, 3216(i) insurance law, 3221 insurance law, 3221(k) insurance law, 4303 insurance law