What's happening
This bill requires Medicaid in New York to cover 80% of the cost of a physician-prescribed nebulizer for certain medical conditions.
Why it matters
Expands access to essential respiratory care. By mandating Medicaid coverage for 80% of physician-prescribed nebulizers, the bill helps ensure that low-income and medically vulnerable individuals can obtain these devices, which are crucial for managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and severe allergies.
Reduces financial barriers. Covering the majority of the cost of nebulizers can significantly ease the financial strain on Medicaid recipients, who might otherwise be unable to afford this important medical equipment.
Standardizes coverage and oversight. The requirement that the Department of Health approve the type and brand of nebulizers could help ensure device quality and safety, as well as consistency in what is provided under Medicaid.
Potential for improved health outcomes and reduced emergency care. By facilitating better at-home management of respiratory conditions, the bill may help prevent severe episodes, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits, ultimately benefiting public health and potentially lowering overall healthcare costs.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Medicaid Covers Nebulizers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7679
IN SENATE
February 5, 2020
Introduced by Sen. SANDERS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to authorizing medicaid coverage for a nebulizer
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 365-a of the social services law is amended by adding a new subdivision 10 to read as follows:
10. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law to the contrary, medical assistance shall include coverage for a nebulizer if prescribed by a licensed physician for a medical condition, including, but not limited to asthma or allergies. The type and brand of such nebulizer shall be approved by the department of health. Such medical assistance shall be provided for eighty percent of the cost of such nebulizer.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15204-02-0
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to authorizing medicaid coverage for a nebulizer
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill would authorize Medicaid coverage for a nebulizer for eligible persons.
Summary of provisions
Section One. Medical assistance shall include coverage for a nebulizer if prescribed by a licensed physician for a medical condition, includ- ing, but not limited to asthma or allergies. The type and brand of such nebulizer shall be approved by the department of health. Such medical assistance shall be provided for 80% of the cost of such nebulizer.
Section 2. The effective date.
Justification
A nebulizer is a device used to administer medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs for the treatment of asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, COPD and other respiratory diseases or disorders. This legislation would authorize Medicaid coverage of 80% of the cost for a nebulizer for eligible persons.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
Cost to the State for 80% of the cost for a nebulizer for eligible persons.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall 10 have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.