According tothe governor, the new law will help ensure that when a providerencounters unexpected complications, such as during a surgicalprocedure or other treatments.

New York's governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, has signed legislation(S.5328-A/A.2880-B) that, he said in a statement, would "ensurehealth insurers do not deny coverage for urgent and medicallynecessary procedures and treatments."

The law expands prior authorization exceptions and requiresinsurance companies to cover additional services and proceduresrelated to existing surgical or other invasive procedures,concurrent symptoms, and associated side effects.

Related: California takes aim at surprise billing foremergency services

"When a doctor encounters unexpected complications during asurgical procedure or realizes additional treatment is immediatelynecessary if a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, they don't havetime to stop and wait for a new authorization from insurancecompanies – they need to act quickly to help thepatient," Governor Cuomosaid. 

"This new law will help ensure health plans can no longer denyhealth care coverage for any medically necessary services orprocedures just because they were not pre-authorized by theinsurance company, and will help patients in a medicallycompromised state get the treatments they need quickly."

New York State Senator Neil D. Breslin, chair of the Senate'sinsurance committee, said, "This important consumerprotection legislation puts patients first, particularly those whoare in a medically compromised state. This new law ensures thatpatients receive the medically necessary services their health careprovider feels is integral to improving their short and long-termhealth."

New York State Assembly Member Pamela J. Huntersaid, "Pre-authorization should be the last thing apatient has to be concerned about during a procedure. Expandingpre-authorization exceptions for these purposes will allow medicalprofessionals to properly perform their duties and lead to betterpatient outcomes."

According to the governor, the new law will help ensure thatwhen a provider encounters unexpected complications, such as duringa surgical procedure or other treatment such as chemotherapy, andrealizes additional treatment is immediately necessary, that theprovider does not have to stop and wait for a newpre-authorization, leaving the patient with unmet needs and in apotentially dangerous situation.

The new law takes effect in 90 days.

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