In this issue ...

• WCB Announces Plans to Update Medical Fee Schedules
• New York Prescribes to NAIC MCAS Reporting
• Intended Amendments to Public Adjuster Bill
• Governor Declares State of Emergency
• Elise Stefanik Ends Bid for NY Governor
• WCB Proposes Regulation Allowing Residents to Treat Injured Workers
• Department of State Adopts Amended Regulation on Changes to Building Code
• U.S. DOT Publishes Descriptions of State DOT SAFE ROADS Submission

WCB Announces Plans to Update Medical Fee Schedules
The WCB announced plans to propose updates to the Official New York Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedules. While they have not released specific changes yet, the proposal will be published in the State Register and on the WCB website. NYIA will notify members when the updates are available. In addition to weighing in on the impact to workers compensation, NYIA is already communicating with DFS and the Governor’s Office in relation to no-fault auto insurance.

New York Prescribes to NAIC MCAS Reporting         
As mentioned on the last bi-weekly call, New York State is now participating in NAIC’s Market Conduct Annual Statement (MCAS) data call process. Relevant insurers should have received information from NAIC and DFS. Details are also available on the NAIC website, including key dates, worksheets, optional training webinars, and FAQs. Not all lines of business are subject to the MCAS data collection and applicable lines are subject to premium thresholds. Please note that the thresholds are in thousands of dollars not millions, which means if a company writes one of the lines of business listed, participation in the data collection will likely be required. Any questions not addressed by NAIC’s website can be sent to mcas@naic.org or help@naic.org.

Intended Amendments to Public Adjuster Bill
The Assembly has reached out to NYIA regarding potential amendments to the public adjuster conduct bill (A9390 Berger). The proposed revisions would change subdivision 5(c) to reflect both the current regulations governing public adjuster communications with insureds under 11 NYCRR 25.11, as well as any future regulatory or statutory changes in this area. The full text of the bill with proposed changes can be found here. Amendments are for clarification purposes, but we are reaching out to ensure members have an opportunity to review in advance of the bill formally being amended. If you have any comments, please contact Staci at ssteinfeld@nyia.org by Wednesday, January 7.

Governor Declares State of Emergency |
Governor Hochul signed executive order 55 and 55.1 on December 26 and December 29, respectively, to declare a disaster emergency in all counties in New York State. The state of emergency comes in response to severe winter weather and will be in effect until January 28, 2026.

Elise Stefanik Ends Bid for NY Governor
U.S. Congressional Representative Elise Stefanik of New York suspended her campaign for governor and announced that she will not be running for re-election for Congress next year. The congresswoman was widely viewed as the front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor until Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, joined the race and began to compete for President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Blakeman is currently the only Republican still in the race.

WCB Proposes Regulation Allowing Residents to Treat Injured Workers
As part of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an amendment into law allowing residents and fellows (under the supervision of a WCB-authorized physician) to treat injured workers in the New York State workers’ compensation system. This amendment to Section 13-b of the state’s workers’ compensation law took effect earlier this year. The WCB has proposed a regulation to help implement this law and provide billing guidance. Public comments can be sent to regulations@wcb.ny.gov until March 8, 2026. If you would like NYIA to submit comments on your behalf, please contact Staci at ssteinfeld@nyia.org by February 27, 2026.

Department of State Adopts Amended Regulation on Changes to Building Code
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council adopted a rule that amends and updates the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. There were several minor changes from the original notice of adoption that appeared in the October 1, 2025 State Register. The full text of the amended rule can be found here. The new rule is effective December 31, 2025.

U.S. DOT Publishes Descriptions of State DOT SAFE ROADS Submissions
The U.S. Department of Transportation launched a nationwide roadway safety initiative to prioritize investments that improve mobility and safety on roadways. In a letter to every governor, Secretary of Transportation Duffy asked that all states participate in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies (SAFE ROADS) initiative. The U.S. DOT recently published descriptions of each state’s DOT SAFE ROADS submissions. New York’s plan can be found on page 8.