Directs department of health to contract with community organizations for distribution of information on health care services and benefits available to immigrants

4 Co-sponsors

• Liz Krueger
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Bill Perkins
• John L. Sampson

BILL NUMBER:S1158

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to directing the department of health to contract with community-based and not-for-profit organizations for the provision of information on health care services and benefits available to immigrants

Purpose

To provide information on the health care-related programs and services available to immigrants.

Summary of provisions

Section One creates a new paragraph (w) to subdivision 1 of section 201 of the Public Health Law, providing for creation of outreach services for immigrants related to their eligibility for health care services. Section Two enacts the legislation 180 days after enactment.

Justification

Changes in the immigration and welfare laws have created a chilling effect on immigrant access to health care services. There is widespread confusion and fear in immigrant communities concerning accessing any government funded health care services. Immigrants who are eligible for Medicaid are not applying due to unfounded fears of potential immigration consequences and many immigrants are unaware of their eligibility for emergency Medicaid services. In addition, nearly half of all immigrants in New York lack health care insurance and therefore do not participate in preventative care. As a result, immigrants too often rely on emergency rooms for the treatment of serious conditions that can be prevented through accessing primary care services. Furthermore, increasing rates of tuberculosis in immigrant communities, and a rubella outbreak in: immigrant communities in Westchester and Rockland counties are indicators that the public's health can be jeopardized if immigrants do not receive necessary care.

Legislative history

2010: S.2449 Referred to Health A.5144 Passed Assembly 2008: S.8413 Referred to Rules A.5932 Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

New York State is eligible for over $35 million in enhanced 90% federal funding for activities, including outreach related to the delinking of Medicaid from welfare. As of September 1999, New York had spent only 3% of available funds. Consequently, a $500,000 state appropriation would result in a $5 million program and fund at least 50 community groups and a newspaper and radio media campaign.

Effective date

One hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, with provisions.