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History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
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Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S1542
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
2011-2012: S.1158 Referred to Health 2009-2010: S.2449/A.5144 - Referred to Health / Passed Assembly 2008: S.8413/A.5932 Referred to Rules / 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.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.