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A proposed bill that would have allowed the state of New York to offer pet insurance has failed to become law this year.
The legislation, which sought to establish a regulatory framework for the growing pet insurance industry, passed both the state Assembly and Senate in May and early June. However, the bill will not move forward this year.
What the Bill Would Have Done
The bill (A.8276 in the Assembly and S.7845 in the Senate) aimed to create uniform definitions and regulatory guidelines for pet insurance in New York, offering greater protection to pet owners and reducing confusion within the industry.
Sponsored by Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter and Sen. Neil Breslin, both Democrats, the bill was crafted to provide a clearer understanding of coverage options and benefits for New York’s pet owners.
Other states, including California and Maine, have already passed similar legislation, which was cited as a model in the justification for the bill.
Despite broad support in the legislative chambers, the bill’s failure to become law means that pet owners in New York will not see any changes in insurance offerings this year.
Pet Insurance Coverage and Its Impact
While the bill aimed to clarify the scope and benefits of pet insurance policies, a similar legislative proposal in Mississippi also highlighted the limitations of pet insurance, particularly around coverage for serious injuries.
According to Sen. Walt Michel, a Republican from Mississippi, most pet insurance policies typically cover broken bones and cancer treatment, but injuries like a torn ACL in dogs often come with a one-year waiting period for coverage.
Notably, the Mississippi bill does not address life insurance for pets, focusing on more immediate medical needs.
The delay in New York’s pet insurance legislation suggests that while there is interest in regulating the industry, the process of crafting comprehensive laws for pet insurance remains ongoing.
