The state says health insurance reforms to fight heroin and opioid abuse will take effect at the start of the New Year. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the legislative package into law earlier this year.

The new laws will require insurance plans to cover health care for New Yorkers suffering from addiction, and to provide people with inpatient treatment for as long as it is needed.

Insurers also will not be allowed to require prior approval for emergency supplies of drug treatment medicine.

The new laws will apply to all group plans regulated by the Department of Financial Services, and for plans sold to individuals.