Healthcare (Medicaid)

in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 11, 2026

A 9519: Requires certain health insurance policies include coverage for services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives

This bill requires most health insurance plans issued after 2020 to cover contraceptive services provided by pharmacists without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives (including over-the-counter options), emergency contraception, patient counseling, and follow-up care, with pharmacists receiving administrative fees at least at Medicaid rates. Plans must allow dispensing up to 12 months of contraceptives at once and cover alternative versions if preferred options aren’t available or medically unsuitable. This directly affects insured individuals seeking contraceptive care and insurers offering comprehensive health coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for pharmacist-provided contraceptives without cost-sharing, expanding access to reproductive healthcare services and removing financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Women's Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 28, 2026

A 9547: Prohibits Medicaid from requiring prior authorization for certain HIV medications

Prohibits Medicaid service providers from requiring prior authorization for antiretroviral prescription drugs for the treatment or prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization barriers for HIV medications, improving patient access to critical treatments under Medicaid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9679: Relates to Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural home health care providers

This bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural home health care providers to cover actual transportation costs incurred while delivering services in designated rural areas. It directly affects home health agencies providing in-home care to Medicaid recipients in rural locations, requiring reimbursement to include specific costs for rural service delivery beyond standard rates. The key provision mandates the health commissioner to develop separate methodologies for calculating these rural transportation costs, distinct from direct care costs, and apply this to all covered home health services, including those under federal waivers. This change aims to address financial barriers rural providers face due to higher travel expenses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural home health providers to cover transportation costs, directly funding rural healthcare access and strengthening provider support for Medicaid recipients.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly mandates reimbursement to cover actual transportation costs for rural home health services, directly funding transportation expenses incurred in service delivery.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 8654: Enacts the New York state good guardianship act

This bill creates the "New York State Good Guardianship Act," establishing a statewide initiative to expand access to not-for-profit guardianship services for New Yorkers over 18 who are legally determined to need a guardian due to incapacity under Mental Hygiene Law Article 81. It allocates state funding through a new dedicated fund to support qualified non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost guardianship services - including financial management, healthcare coordination, and daily living assistance - replacing unscrupulous for-profit providers. The initiative will operate a public helpline for guidance, require data collection on service outcomes, and aim to reduce Medicaid costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations and shelter stays. Participating organizations must be tax-exempt and experienced, with the program administered by a state-selected lead agency and subject to annual performance reporting.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding via new dedicated fund for non-profit guardianship services, directly funding a public program under government spending.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds non-profits providing healthcare coordination as part of guardianship services for incapacitated adults, improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 30, 2026

A 9328: Expands Medicaid coverage to include pharmacological treatment for hyperhidrosis

Expands Medicaid coverage to include pharmacological treatment for hyperhidrosis when such treatment is ordered by a physician, registered physician assistant, or registered nurse practitioner; provides that the provisions shall not take effect unless all necessary approvals under federal law and regulation have been obtained to receive federal financial participation in the costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands Medicaid coverage for pharmacological hyperhidrosis treatment, increasing patient access to healthcare services under public insurance program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicaid

Track

failed · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

A 9312: Strengthens transparency regarding Medicaid network adequacy and protecting beneficiaries from disruptions in care

Ensures Medicaid spending results in real access to medical care by increasing transparency in Medicaid managed care network adequacy reviews and safeguarding continuity of care in light of recent major provider network withdrawals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates Medicaid network transparency and safeguards continuity of care, directly protecting beneficiaries from access disruptions (supporting patient access and rights).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9360: Relates to requiring Medicaid coverage of FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for certain purposes

Relates to requiring Medicaid coverage of FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for obesity, metabolic disorders, and autism-related compulsive eating behaviors.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved GLP-1 medications treating obesity, metabolic disorders, and autism-related eating, expanding access to critical treatments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 1918: Establishes a specialized health home program to serve certain individuals with physical disabilities

Establishes a specialized health home program to serve certain individuals with physical disabilities who are Medicaid eligible adults eighteen years of age or older with a diagnosis of a neurological, muscular, or neuromuscular condition, and a mobility impairment; provides that a specialized health home shall be reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis and shall receive enhanced rates of payment; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates Medicaid-funded specialized health home program for disabled adults with enhanced provider reimbursement, expanding access and funding for disability-related care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

vetoed · New York · Assembly Oct 17, 2025

A 2520: Provides parity to durable medical equipment providers by requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse such providers

Provides parity to durable medical equipment providers by requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to reimburse such providers at no less than one hundred percent of the medical assistance durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology fee schedule for the same service or item.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires Medicaid managed care to fully reimburse durable medical equipment providers, ensuring continued patient access to necessary medical devices and strengthening coverage parity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 531: Establishes the statewide kinship navigator program

This bill establishes a statewide kinship navigator program within New York's Office of Children and Family Services. It directly assists kinship caregivers - individuals caring for relatives' children (including prospective caregivers and relative guardians) - by providing free help accessing services and benefits. Key provisions include referrals, free legal consultations, application support for Medicaid, SNAP, child care subsidies, and coordination across state agencies like health, education, and social services. The program will operate through regional offices (7-12 regions), maintain a toll-free hotline, and offer local respite services to help caregivers navigate available support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAssists kinship caregivers with Medicaid applications and health service coordination, directly expanding healthcare coverage access and support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track