A3986A

The Senate passed Assembly Bill 3986A, an act to amend the Insurance Law, by a vote of 59-0. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Bores, grants physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers the right to choose their preferred payment method—either accepting virtual credit card payments or requiring traditional electronic funds transfer or paper payments. The measure also ensures providers can change their payment preferences in writing and requires health plans to honor such changes rather than obscuring them in provider contracts. Sen. Cooney, who explained his affirmative vote, praised the Majority Leader for bringing the bill to the floor. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.