Addabbo introduced Senate Bill S8352 on Wednesday as a measure requiring insurance companies to provide problem gambling services. The bill amends New York’s existing insurance law to require insurance policies that provide medical or similar coverage to offer outpatient coverage for the diagnoses and treatment of problem gambling.
Addabbo has filed his latest bill as he anticipates an increase in New Yorkers seeking help for problem gambling as the gaming industry continues to diversify across the country.
Under current New York law, insurance providers are not required to cover problem treatment offered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Problem gambling treatment is only covered if the person has an associated substance use disorder. The office oversees more than 1,500 addiction prevention ..