Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 5241: Relates to utilization review determinations

Provides that certain utilization review determinations shall be made consistent with medical and scientific evidence; includes services for mental health and substance use disorders as part of emergency services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncludes mental health/substance use services in emergency care, requiring evidence-based utilization reviews - expands access to critical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9050: Authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for mental health clubhouses

Defines "mental health clubhouse"; provides that the department of health, in consultation with the office of mental health, shall authorize Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by mental health clubhouses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes Medicaid reimbursement for mental health clubhouses, expanding coverage and funding for mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 1366: Relates to prohibiting certain suicide prevention and mental health services hotlines from being automated

Directs the commissioner of the office of mental health to promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting any suicide prevention or mental health services hotline operated or sponsored by the state from being automated.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits automation of state mental health hotlines, ensuring direct human access to critical services, aligning with mental health support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3974: Creates the office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access

This bill creates an independent office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access in New York. The ombudsperson will directly assist New Yorkers - especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, or navigating complex coverage - with resolving issues related to mental health and substance use disorder care access, including complaints about insurers or providers. Key provisions include the ombudsperson operating autonomously (with independent hiring and budget control), helping consumers file appeals, tracking violations of treatment rules, and reporting annually to state officials on access challenges. The office will not make policy changes but will serve as a neutral resource to navigate existing systems and connect people to appropriate support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new office with independent budget control, funding behavioral health access services as a public program.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates office to resolve mental health/substance use disorder access issues, improving patient navigation and rights for uninsured/underinsured.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1310: Establishes the New York state school mental health services program coordinator

Establishes the school mental health services program coordinator to provide qualifying public and nonpublic schools with mental health services professionals.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates school mental health coordinator to provide services, enhancing student support programs and access within educational settings.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates school mental health services coordinator to provide mental health professionals, directly advancing mental health care access in schools per healthcare topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8427: Relates to children's behavioral health outpatient rates

Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health services provided to individuals under the age of twenty-one; directs that funds in the healthcare stability fund can be used for the funding of children's behavioral health outpatient rate increases.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases Medicaid reimbursement rates for youth behavioral health services using healthcare stability fund, directly allocating state funds to expand public health coverage.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases Medicaid reimbursement rates for children's behavioral health services, directing funds to expand access and funding for mental health care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3969: Relates to mandatory continuing education for teachers relating to mental health issues

This bill requires New York teachers to complete mandatory continuing education focused on mental health. Specifically, it mandates that during each five-year teacher registration period, educators must complete at least two sessions (out of a total 100 required hours) covering mental health topics like identifying early signs of mental illness, behavioral health disorders, eating disorders, crisis de-escalation, and evidence-based programs such as Mental Health First Aid. The training must be developed by the education and health departments and integrated into existing teacher certification requirements. It directly affects all K-12 teachers seeking or renewing their teaching licenses in New York State.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates teacher mental health training to enhance educator preparedness and student support, directly aligning with teacher support indicators.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates teacher mental health training including early identification and crisis response, directly advancing mental health services in educational settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers Mental Health

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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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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 30, 2026

A 279: Relates to the protection and promotion of the mental health of the residents of New York state

Requires parity in the mental and physical health treatment of the residents of New York state; provides that both mental and physical health "will be matters of public concern and provision therefor shall be made by the state and by such of its subdivisions".

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health parity with physical health and requires state provision, advancing mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8426: Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder

Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder; incorporates into law federal enforcement rules set forth in the federal mental health parity and addiction equity act of 2008.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents insurer discrimination against mental health/substance use disorder patients, enforcing parity and protecting patient rights under federal law.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents insurer discrimination on mental health/substance use, ensuring equal access to benefits, aligns with expanding worker benefits under employment standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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