Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4878: Relates to reimbursement for residential habilitation services

This bill changes how residential habilitation services are reimbursed for people with developmental disabilities who receive Medicaid. It defines three types of service days: "retainer days" (for medical leave), "service days" (regular care in community residences), and "therapy days" (for family visits or vacations), each paid at 100% of the daily rate but with annual limits (max 14 retainer days per facility capacity and 96 therapy days per person). Starting July 1, 2024, providers will also receive an occupancy adjustment for vacant beds (due to moves or deaths), which adjusts their operating rate by up to 5% based on actual occupancy. These rules apply to facilities licensed or approved by New York's Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies Medicaid reimbursement structure for developmental disability services, ensuring consistent funding and access under healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1717: Removes limits on licensed physical therapists treating patients without a referral

This bill removes the previous 10-visit or 30-day limit for licensed physical therapists treating patients without a physician referral. It directly affects physical therapists and their patients, allowing extended treatment without referral while adding new requirements: therapists must refer patients if symptoms suggest conditions outside their scope, maintain communication with primary care providers during treatment, and provide written notice to patients about potential insurance coverage issues without a referral. The law mandates this notice be documented in patient records. Patients may face uncovered costs if treatment occurs without a referral, as insurers typically require one for coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves referral limits for physical therapists, improving patient access to care without unnecessary barriers while adding coordination requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3645: Requires health insurance policies to include coverage of optional anesthesia for certain contraceptive and menstrual health procedures

Requires health insurance policies to include coverage of optional anesthesia for certain contraceptive and menstrual health procedures including, but not limited to, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, colposcopy, ablation, and intrauterine device insertion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for anesthesia during contraceptive/mental health procedures, expanding access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3916: Enacts the interstate nurse licensure compact and the advanced practice registered nurse compact

This bill establishes New York as a participating state in the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact (Part A) and the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact (Part B). It creates "multistate licenses" that allow registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs) licensed in New York to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, while maintaining accountability under the state where the patient is located. Key provisions include uniform licensing requirements, mutual recognition of licenses across states, and processes for sharing disciplinary information between states. The compact aims to reduce licensing barriers for nurses working across state lines while ensuring consistent public safety standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables nurses to practice across state lines without separate licenses, removing barriers to healthcare access and improving provider availability for patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6129: Requires not-for-profit hospitals inform patients that low to moderate income persons may qualify for help with medical bills through such hospitals charitable programs

Requires not-for-profit hospitals inform patients that low to moderate-income persons may qualify for help with medical bills through such hospitals' charitable programs by disclosing such information to patients, posting such information conspicuously, and through social workers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires hospitals to disclose charity programs for low-income patients, improving access to financial assistance for medical bills and protecting patient rights.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 13, 2025

S 5556: Relates to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage based upon gender indication on insurance claim forms

Relates to gender indication on insurance claim forms; provides policies shall not exclude coverage if gender indication is different from sex assigned at birth or gender otherwise recorded.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits insurance coverage exclusion based on gender indication differing from sex assigned at birth, directly protecting patient access to healthcare services and advancing coverage rights.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5724: Expands the health education curriculum to include breast cancer screenings

This bill, "Siena's Law," requires New York public schools to add age-appropriate instruction on breast cancer self-examinations to senior high school health education courses. It mandates that certified health teachers provide this content as part of the required curriculum, alongside other cancer prevention and detection methods. Local school boards may also choose to include similar instruction in elementary and middle schools. The law affects all public school students in New York, with specific requirements beginning in high school. It takes effect July 1, 2025, after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates expansion of health curriculum to include breast cancer screenings, enhancing required educational content for students in public schools.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates breast cancer screening education in schools to promote early detection and prevention, advancing public health initiatives through preventive health education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2025

S 774: Requires certain health insurance policies to cover scalp cooling systems for the preservation of hair during cancer chemotherapy treatment; repealer

Requires certain large group health insurance policies and contracts to cover scalp cooling systems for the preservation of hair during cancer chemotherapy treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy, expanding health insurance benefits and improving patient access to cancer treatment support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4177: Provides a tax deduction for fertility preservation services

This bill creates a federal tax deduction of up to $1,000 for individuals who pay for fertility preservation services, such as collecting, freezing, and storing eggs (ova). It directly affects people undergoing fertility treatments who incur these costs. The deduction applies to expenses included in federal adjusted gross income, limited to the $1,000 maximum per year. The provision takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deduction (up to $1,000) for fertility preservation, reducing taxable income - tax relief for individuals95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides tax deduction for fertility preservation services, reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving access to healthcare services for patients undergoing fertility treatments.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 856: Authorizes certain facilities to provide treatment for the mental health and health care needs of individuals admitted for a substance use disorder

Authorizes certain facilities to provide treatment for the mental health and health care needs of individuals admitted for a substance use disorder; provides that such services shall be reimbursable by Medicaid and private insurance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes mental health services for substance use disorder patients with Medicaid/private insurance reimbursement, expanding access and funding for mental health care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Substance Abuse

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