Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Mar 24, 2026

J 1800: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026, as Nutrition Month in the State of New York

This bill is a Senate resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate March 2026 as Nutrition Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the work of registered dietitians and nutrition professionals who educate New Yorkers on healthy eating, cooking skills, and community food resources. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to raise awareness about nutrition education during the month. The measure is symbolic and does not change any existing policies or require new government actions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes nutrition education and highlights dietitians' work, indirectly supporting public health and preventive care initiatives.75% confidence

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 9517: Relates to notifying an insured of a rate filing increase or decrease for long term care

Relates to notifying an insured of a rate filing increase or decrease for long term care; provides such notification shall include instructions on how to submit comments on such rate filing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires notification of rate increases for long term care insurance and provides instructions for submitting comments, protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparency in healthcare pricing.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

A 10755: Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state, and requiring the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs

Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state; requires the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs in SUNY, CUNY and independent institutions of higher education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves student mental health and mental health literacy in higher education institutions, enhancing student programs and well-being.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve student mental health and mental health literacy in higher education institutions by requiring adoption of related protocols and programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 13, 2026

S 9460: Relates to obtaining certain employment and income data of individuals eligible for medical assistance

This bill would allow the state health commissioner to collect current employment and income information from individuals eligible for medical assistance programs. The commissioner could obtain this data directly from employers through third-party consumer reporting agencies or via federal information exchanges, supplementing existing state records. The stated purpose is to improve decision-making speed, reduce costs, and ensure timely service delivery to eligible beneficiaries. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves healthcare administration by enabling better data collection to ensure timely service delivery and reduce costs for medical assistance programs.75% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 9496: Requires medicaid and insurers to include coverage for testing of PFAS levels in blood

This bill requires Medicaid and health insurance providers to cover blood tests for PFAS levels when ordered by a licensed physician. PFAS refers to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a group of chemicals found in certain consumer products and industrial applications. The law applies to all medical, major medical, and comprehensive-type insurance policies, as well as medical assistance programs, starting on January 1 following its enactment. Coverage is only required when a healthcare provider legally authorized under state education law orders the testing. The bill includes a provision that medical assistance will not cover these tests if federal funding for them is unavailable.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for PFAS blood testing, expanding healthcare access and protecting patient rights to necessary diagnostic services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates coverage for PFAS blood testing, which addresses potential health concerns from chemical exposure that may affect veterans who served in environments with PFAS contamination.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 18, 2026

S 9507: Provides additional support to medically fragile children

This bill expands support for medically fragile children by requiring health insurance plans to adjust how they review and approve medical services for this group. It mandates that utilization review decisions consider children's unique developmental needs rather than applying adult standards, and ensures coverage for services like private duty nursing, therapy, and home care that help children reach their maximum functional capacity. The legislation also requires insurers to maintain networks of providers with specialized expertise in medically fragile care, accommodate prolonged discharge plans when needed, and consider family circumstances such as employment and caregiving capacity when arranging care. Additionally, it prohibits medical necessity reviews for certain critical private duty nursing services and allows payment for hospital stays when specialized home care is unavailable during discharge transitions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands health insurance coverage for medically fragile children, mandates better utilization review standards, and ensures coverage for essential services like nursing and therapy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Hospitals Medicaid

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passed · New York · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

K 1077: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026, as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in the State of New York

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate June 2026 as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in New York State. The resolution highlights the prevalence and impact of migraines, noting that millions of people suffer from the condition and that it significantly affects daily life, work, and education. By aligning with National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the bill aims to increase public understanding of this neurological disorder and encourage support for affected individuals. The measure is a symbolic proclamation rather than a policy change, requiring no new funding or administrative actions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes migraine awareness, which supports public health education and patient understanding of neurological conditions affecting healthcare access.75% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 9221: Establishes a medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants test strip program

Directs the commissioner of the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services to establish a program for individuals to receive free drug test strips to detect the presence of medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants; directs the commissioner of the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services, in cooperation with the commissioner of the department of health, to develop and conduct a public awareness and educational campaign on the dangers of medetomidine, benzodiazepine, nitazenes, and/or other harmful contaminants.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes public health program for drug contaminant testing and awareness, preventing health risks from harmful substances.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 18, 2026

S 9244: Relates to paid leave for menopause

This bill creates a new paid leave benefit for workers experiencing menopause symptoms. It adds "menopause" to the definition of disability under workers' compensation law and defines it to include symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, and hormonal imbalances. Eligible employees may take up to five paid days per month (60 days annually) for medical care related to menopause, such as doctor visits or managing prescribed treatments. This leave is in addition to existing paid family and medical leave options and applies to all covered employees under the workers' compensation system.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to medical care for menopause symptoms by creating paid leave, aligning with improving patient access under healthcare policies.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAdds paid leave for menopause symptoms, expanding workplace disability benefits and protections for workers' health needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

A 10165: Includes seizure detecting monitors for certain infants under standard coverage for Medicaid recipients

This bill expands Medicaid coverage to include seizure-detecting monitors for infants with epilepsy, other seizure disorders, or a family history of seizures. The legislation limits this benefit to one monitor per eligible infant to manage costs while ensuring access to necessary medical equipment. It applies to Medicaid recipients and will take effect on the first day of January following its enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds seizure monitor coverage to Medicaid for infants, expanding access to critical medical devices under public health program.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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