New York Health Policy Monitor (March 03, 2026)
Senate passes major PBM and drug manufacturing reforms; Assembly advances c-section consent; EMS plan requirement passes legislature.
The Senate advanced a significant package of pharmaceutical and payer regulations this week, passing measures to regulate pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reimbursements (S5939) and mandate the pass-through of prescription drug rebates to patients (S2128). The chamber also approved bills establishing a wholesale prescription drug importation program (S371) and authorizing the state to manufacture generic drugs (S1618).
In the Assembly, lawmakers passed legislation requiring providers to inform patients of cesarean section risks (A1039) and finalized the passage of a bill directing counties to develop comprehensive emergency medical system plans (S8806). Meanwhile, the Senate advanced coverage mandates for diabetes screenings (S634) and moved several maternal health bills to the floor calendar, including Medicaid coverage for childbirth hospital stays (S940).
Past week at a glance
- 1 Health Bill Adopted
- 7 Health Bills Passed Senate
- 4 Health Bills Passed Assembly
- 12 Health Bills Reported to Senate Floor
- 2 Health Bills Reported to Assembly Floor
- 17 Health Bills Referred to Senate Committee
- 16 Health Bills Referred to Assembly Committee