Healthcare (Children's Health)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7204: Requires pediatric care providers to screen every child beginning at the age of twelve months for autism spectrum disorders

Directs the commissioner of health and commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to jointly promulgate rules and regulations requiring pediatric health care providers to screen children beginning at the age of 12 months for autism spectrum disorders during each wellness and preventative care examination and to conduct such screening annually until such child reaches age six, and thereafter at eleven and fourteen years of age.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates autism screenings during pediatric wellness visits, advancing preventive healthcare and early intervention for developmental disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4178: Establishes a workgroup to conduct analysis on the ambulatory patient group rates and commercial insurance rates for behavioral health services

S 4178 creates a workgroup to analyze reimbursement rates for behavioral health services under Medicaid and commercial insurance. The workgroup, including providers, insurers, consumers, and experts, will study current rates versus actual care costs and develop recommendations for fairer payment models. It specifically focuses on clinics licensed under mental health laws (Articles 31/32) and child health programs, requiring a final report to lawmakers by October 1, 2027. This bill does not change current rates but sets up a review process to inform future policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes workgroup to analyze and improve reimbursement rates for behavioral health services, aiming for fairer payment models to strengthen mental health provider access and coverage.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 6, 2026

A 8048: Relates to add-on payment for pediatric practices that implement the HealthySteps model

This bill directs the state health commissioner to create a special payment add-on for pediatric clinics that adopt the HealthySteps model of care. The program is designed to support team-based services aimed at improving child screenings, behavioral health promotion, and family support for children from birth to age six. To qualify for this additional funding, a clinic must demonstrate that it is meeting specific performance standards required by the HealthySteps program. The new payment rate would apply to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, with funds excluded from certain financial reports. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates enhanced reimbursement rates for pediatric practices in HealthySteps program, directly increasing funding for child healthcare access and strengthening public health initiative.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Primary Care

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in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 3362: Relates to insurance coverage for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome

This bill requires health insurance plans to cover rehabilitation services for children diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) when a doctor certifies the treatment is medically necessary. It directly affects children with PANS and all health insurance providers offering coverage in New York, including group plans. The law mandates coverage without requiring prior authorization beyond a physician's written certification of medical necessity. The bill references the definition of PANS from Public Health Law §207, ensuring consistent application across all health plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for PANS rehabilitation services without prior authorization, expanding access to necessary medical care for children with this condition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6106: Relates to the coverage of air ambulance services in the child health plus program

This bill adds air ambulance services to the list of covered benefits under New York's Child Health Plus program. It directly affects children enrolled in Child Health Plus who require emergency air transportation for medical care. The key provision amends the Public Health Law to explicitly include air ambulance services alongside other covered treatments like hospital care, emergency room visits, and mental health services. This change ensures families using the program won't face unexpected costs for medically necessary air ambulance transport.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds air ambulance services to Child Health Plus coverage, expanding access to emergency medical transport for enrolled children without unexpected costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Hospitals Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 17, 2026

S 999: Relates to reimbursement for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment

Requires the department of health to review claims for expenditures for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment and other health services, care and supplies which are furnished to eligible children and pre-school children regardless of whether such children have handicapping conditions, are suspected of having handicapping conditions or have an individualized education plan; requires the department of health to apply for all necessary federal approvals regarding such expenditures.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires reimbursement for pediatric screenings/treatment, ensuring coverage for eligible children regardless of conditions, expanding access to early healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1786: Relates to reimbursement for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment

Requires the department of health to review claims for expenditures for early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment and other health services, care and supplies which are furnished to eligible children and pre-school children regardless of whether such children have handicapping conditions, are suspected of having handicapping conditions or have an individualized education plan; requires the department of health to apply for all necessary federal approvals regarding such expenditures.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates reimbursement for screenings/treatment for eligible children regardless of conditions, ensuring continued coverage and access to health services per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1336: Relates to requiring immunization information systems to record data on the number of vaccine exemptions reported by each health care provider

This bill (A 1336) requires health care providers to report the number of vaccine exemptions they grant for children, and mandates that immunization information systems (including New York State’s and New York City’s registries) record and store this data by provider. It directly affects health care providers who issue vaccine exemptions and state/local health departments responsible for managing immunization records. The key mechanism is a new requirement for providers to report exemption counts, which must then be entered into existing statewide systems in a searchable format for health officials to access. This creates a standardized, provider-level data tracking system without changing exemption eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires health providers to report vaccine exemptions, enhancing public health oversight and data collection for immunization programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3547: Relates to school based health centers

Establishes school based health centers to be organized through school, community, and health provider relationships and provide services in keeping with state and local laws and regulations, as well as established medical standards, and best practices.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes school health centers to improve student access to healthcare, supporting educational outcomes and student well-being through enhanced school-based services.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes school-based health centers to provide health services to students, expanding access to healthcare in educational settings and aligning with public health program goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Children's Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7262: Relates to eligibility for medical assistance for infants up to age three

This bill extends Medicaid eligibility for infants from under age one to under age three, directly benefiting low-income infants and their families. It sets income eligibility at 200% of the federal poverty level (based on household size) and ensures children receiving in-patient medical care at age three remain covered until their treatment ends. The law also automatically extends coverage to infants born to parents already receiving medical assistance. These changes update New York's social services law to align with federal Medicaid rules for infant care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends Medicaid eligibility to infants up to age three, expanding coverage access for low-income families under 200% FPL and ensuring continuity for in-patient care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid

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