Requires the department of health to publish a report on the incidence of tick-borne illnesses annually on the department's website

• Democratic20
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

As the climate crisis worsens, the risk of tick-borne infections will only increase. When it comes to fighting these infections, especially Lyme, timely information is critical. Despite this, most of the data New York uses to gauge the severity of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses is outdated and incomplete. The most recent statistics released by the New York State Department of Health as of January, 2025 are from the years 2019-2021, already four years out of date. In order to effectively combat the spread of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses in New York, policymakers and the public need to have accurate, up-to-date informa- tion on the state of tick-borne illnesses. However, fighting tick-borne illness does not end with diagnoses. People who are afflicted with these illnesses must receive the proper treatment. Unfortunately, many people affected by Lyme disease are not covered for treatment by their insurance company. Lyme affects everyone differently and, if it is not found and diagnosed immediately, it can cause life-long complications, including death. Because there is no single treatment for those suffering from long-lyme, some insurance companies will not cover treatment beyond the standard 14 days of anti- biotics, even if a patient continues to experience symptoms. This legislation would ensure that all New Yorkers have access to current information on tick-borne illnesses and tick populations by requiring the DOH to publish this information on its website and annual- ly provide a report to the Leaders of the Legislature and the Governor. It also directs the Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services to review the current state of Lyme treatment coverage in New York and provide a report to the legislature on its findings. By provid- ing these pieces of information, New York's policymakers and the public will have a more complete picture to aid in the prevention and complete treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.