Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3554: Increases the amount of the savings exemption for eligibility for Medicaid

Bill S 3554 increases the amount of personal savings individuals can have and still qualify for Medicaid benefits, directly affecting those seeking medical assistance. It changes the current savings exemption rule from a variable formula to a specific, fixed amount. Under this bill, the maximum savings amount for Medicaid eligibility, including for certain disabled individuals, would be set at $300,000. This change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, provided there is federal financial participation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid savings exemption to $300,000, expanding eligibility for healthcare coverage and improving access to medical assistance for low-income individuals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5015: Relates to applying a special Medicaid rate for releasees in nursing homes

Relates to applying a special Medicaid rate for releasees in facilities or discrete units within facilities that provide long term nursing or medical services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareApplies special Medicaid rate for nursing home releasees, expanding coverage under public health program for vulnerable populations95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7642: Relates to excluding the five New York state veterans homes from certain assessments

Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes state veterans homes from gross receipts assessments, providing tax relief to public facilities under Budget & Taxes topic.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExcludes veterans homes from financial assessments on patient care income, protecting operational funding for healthcare services provided at these facilities.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExcludes veterans homes from income assessments, preserving funding for services and operations per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 55: Enacts the overdose prevention and recovery act

Enacts the overdose prevention and recovery act; directs that at least twenty percent of funds from the opioid stewardship fund shall be invested in recovery services and supports; requires an annual report to the legislature regarding funds distributed from the opioid stewardship fund; makes the opioid stewardship fund permanent.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirects 20% of opioid fund to recovery services, expanding public health access for addiction treatment under healthcare policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6282: Relates to certain requirements for waivers issued under the hospital-home care-physician collaboration program

Provides that health regulations may not be waived under the hospital-home care-physician collaboration program without publication and opportunity for public comment; prohibits waiver of an applicant's obligation to meet public need, character and competence, or financial feasibility requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires public comment for waivers and prohibits bypassing public need/financial requirements, ensuring program integrity and patient safety standards.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6499: Provides for coverage of primary and preventative obstetric and gynecological care

Bill S 6499 amends insurance law to ensure full coverage for certain preventative health services. It mandates that primary and preventative obstetric and gynecological care, as well as annual cervical cytology screenings for women aged eighteen and older, shall not be subject to annual deductibles and coinsurance. This means individuals with applicable insurance policies will not face these specific out-of-pocket costs for these essential preventative services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no deductibles/coinsurance for preventative OB/GYN care, expanding coverage access without cost barriers for essential services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4883: Relates to the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities

Excludes one-time federal assistance in the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareExcludes one-time federal aid from revenue calculation, potentially reducing required direct resident care spending by facilities.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4801: Relates to the amount of state aid reimbursement for public health services by a municipality in the city of New York

Relates to the amount of state aid reimbursement for public health services by a municipality in the city of New York when the municipality is providing some or all of certain identified core public health services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill specifies state aid reimbursement amounts for NYC municipalities providing core public health services, ensuring continued funding for these programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7315: Allows for SNAP benefits to be used to purchase menstrual products

This bill would allow New York SNAP (food stamp) recipients to use their benefits to purchase menstrual products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. It requires the state to apply for a federal waiver or authorization within 90 days to make this change, as current federal rules currently restrict SNAP use to food items. The policy directly affects low-income New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits for basic needs. The change would take effect only after federal approval is secured.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to essential health necessities (menstrual products) for low-income SNAP recipients, aligning with improved patient access under healthcare policy.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 358: Relates to eligibility for home care services under medicaid; repealer

Bill S 358 aims to expand eligibility for personal and home care services funded by Medicaid. It removes specific functional assessment criteria, which currently require individuals to need assistance with a certain number of daily living activities to qualify. This includes removing particular requirements for those with dementia or Alzheimer's diagnoses. The bill directly affects individuals seeking to receive in-home care services through the Medicaid program by making it easier to meet eligibility standards.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpanding Medicaid eligibility increases state spending on home care services, directly funding essential public programs per Budget & Taxes criteria.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes functional assessment barriers, expanding Medicaid home care eligibility for dementia/Alzheimer's patients and others, directly increasing access to health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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