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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 61
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Modifies medicaid services' availability to bring them more in line with those of private health insurance coverage; repealer
In Assembly Committee · Health · Sponsor Robin Schimminger
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4137
Title of bill
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to the character and adequacy of Medicaid assistance and to repeal paragraph (n) of subdivision 2 of section 365-a of the social services law relating to the care and services of audiologists
Purpose of the bill
Modifies the availability of Medicaid services to bring them more in line with those of private health insurance coverage.
Summary of specific provisions
§ 1 - Amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of § 365-a of the Social Services Law to remove dentists, nurses, and private duty nursing from those services authorized under the subdivision. However, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners are added.
§ 2 - Amends paragraph (f) of subdivision 2 of § 365-a of the Social Services Law to specify that coverage for preventive, prophylactic and other routine dental care, services and supplies will be authorized only when provided in a hospital outpatient or clinic facility.
§ 3 - Amends paragraph (g) of subdivision 2 of § 365-a of the Social Services Law to remove dental prosthetic appliances from those services authorized under the subdivision and to authorize the Commissioner of Health to require prior approval of any prescription drug that is prescribed for a resident of a nursing home that is not reimbursed as part of the nursing home's Medicaid rate.
§ 4 - Amends paragraph (1) of subdivision 2 of § 365-a of the Social Services Law to add clinical psychologists, nurses and audiologists, including such care and services provided in a hospital outpatient or clinic facility, and dentists in those services and care provided in accordance with the program of early and periodic screening and diagnosis.
§ 5 - Repeals paragraph (n) of subdivision 2 of § 365-a of the Social Services Law which relates to services provided by audiologists.
§ 6 - Allows the Commissioner of Health to promulgate or adopt any rules or regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the bill.
§ 7 - Effective date.
Justification
The ultimate goal of this legislation is to bring Medicaid coverage more in line with private health insurance coverage. The costs associated with "optional" services, those allowed for but not required by the federal government but required by New York State, have increased substantially, causing fiscal strife for many of the state's counties. These costs are often passed along to the citizens
of the state through higher property taxes or other tax increases. This legislation in no way suggests that monetary concerns outweigh the care of individuals. However, it is unfair and inappropriate to ask working families to pay for services covered under "optional" Medicaid coverage that they themselves may not be able to afford or obtain under their own private health insurance plan.
Prior legislative history
2005-2006: A.5465-A 2007-2008: A.4674 2009-2010: S.7950/A.6677 -- HEALTH/Health 2011-2012: S.2684/A.2340-A - HEALTH/Health 2013-2014: S.1212-A/A.2714-A - HEALTH/Health
Fiscal implications
Yet to be determined. Cost savings to both counties and the state are expected.
Effective date
On the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.