Assembly adds problem‑gambling treatment to insurance coverage amid debate over costs and parity

The Assembly on March 24 passed an amendment to the insurance law that requires health plans to cover treatment services for problem gambling, placing those services alongside coverage for alcoholism and substance‑use disorders.

Sponsor Representative (speaker 29) said problem gambling is recognized in the DSM and that, while mental‑health parity laws exist, coverage gaps and limited provider capacity leave many without care. He said adding explicit coverage could improve access and that the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) regulates providers qualified to treat problem gambling.

Opponents questioned whether the change duplicates existing parity obligations and flagged potential premium increases. Assemblymember Gandolfo (speaker 30) asked whether the law defines problem‑gambling services and whether insurers already cover such care; the sponsor replied that definitions and provider qualifications are handled through existing regulatory frameworks and that coverage currently varies by insurer.

Members also discussed state revenue earmarked for treatment: the sponsor noted a roughly $12 million transfer this year from sports‑betting revenue to treatment programs and suggested those funds should be increased to strengthen prevention efforts.

Vote and next steps: The Assembly passed the insurance amendment by recorded vote (Ayes 132, Nays 10). The measure advances for further consideration required for enactment.