Healthcare

died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 55: Enacts the overdose prevention and recovery act

Enacts the overdose prevention and recovery act; directs that at least twenty percent of funds from the opioid stewardship fund shall be invested in recovery services and supports; requires an annual report to the legislature regarding funds distributed from the opioid stewardship fund; makes the opioid stewardship fund permanent.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirects 20% of opioid fund to recovery services, expanding public health access for addiction treatment under healthcare policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6282: Relates to certain requirements for waivers issued under the hospital-home care-physician collaboration program

Provides that health regulations may not be waived under the hospital-home care-physician collaboration program without publication and opportunity for public comment; prohibits waiver of an applicant's obligation to meet public need, character and competence, or financial feasibility requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires public comment for waivers and prohibits bypassing public need/financial requirements, ensuring program integrity and patient safety standards.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7315: Allows for SNAP benefits to be used to purchase menstrual products

This bill would allow New York SNAP (food stamp) recipients to use their benefits to purchase menstrual products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. It requires the state to apply for a federal waiver or authorization within 90 days to make this change, as current federal rules currently restrict SNAP use to food items. The policy directly affects low-income New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits for basic needs. The change would take effect only after federal approval is secured.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to essential health necessities (menstrual products) for low-income SNAP recipients, aligning with improved patient access under healthcare policy.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5036: Requires dialysis center disaster preparedness plans

Requires facilities offering dialysis services to have an alternate generated power source for use during a general power outage or disaster emergency; provides exemptions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates alternate power for dialysis centers during disasters, ensuring continuity of critical healthcare services and protecting patient access during emergencies.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1773: Prohibits state contracts with contractors who do not provide health insurance which covers supplemental breast cancer screenings

Prohibits state contracts with contractors who do not provide health insurance which covers supplemental breast cancer screenings; authorizes the comptroller to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates state contractors provide health insurance covering supplemental breast cancer screenings, expanding coverage and improving access to preventive care.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill requires contractors to provide health insurance covering supplemental breast cancer screenings, enhancing worker benefits and employment standards as a condition for state contracts.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8341: Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for certain medical professionals to practice in underserved areas

Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for physicians, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice in underserved areas.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates temporary authorization for medical professionals to practice in underserved areas, directly improving patient access to healthcare services in shortage regions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1223: Expands the scope of the temporary operator program

Expands the scope of the temporary operator program permitting the commissioner of health to appoint an operator if a facility experiences serious financial instability or conditions that seriously endanger the life, health or safety of residents or patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands temporary operator program to prevent facility closures endangering health/safety, ensuring continuity of care during crises.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4854: Prohibits the packaging, sale and distribution of confectionery and candy designed to resemble a tobacco product

This bill (S 4854) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of candy or confectionery products designed to look like tobacco products, such as chocolate cigarettes or gum cigars. It specifically bans packaging, branding, or marketing that mimics tobacco products (e.g., cigarette-shaped candy or tobacco-like labels). The law applies to all candy types, including gum, chocolate bars, and mints, and imposes civil fines of $100-$500 for violations. It directly affects candy manufacturers, sellers, and distributors who create or market products resembling tobacco items.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans candy resembling tobacco products to prevent youth tobacco initiation, a direct public health measure targeting smoking prevention and reducing health risks.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4961: Provides insurance coverage for cranial prostheses

S 4961 requires most health insurance policies in New York to cover cranial prostheses (wigs or hairpieces) for individuals with medical hair loss due to conditions like alopecia, lupus, or injury. It mandates coverage when a licensed provider prescribes the prosthesis as part of treatment for a diagnosed health condition, chronic illness, or injury. Coverage is limited to one instance per year with a $750 maximum per use, subject to existing cost-sharing requirements. The bill applies to individual, group, and hospital service policies, effective immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for cranial prostheses due to medical conditions, expanding health insurance benefits for patients with hair loss conditions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 304: Provides that the list of pre-authoized procedures is to be used only as a list of treatment that does not require insurance carrier approval

Simplifies the procedure by which injured workers obtain treatment for injuries covered by the workers' compensation law; provides that the list of pre-authorized procedures is to be used only as a list of treatment that does not require insurance carrier approval.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSimplifies access to workers' compensation treatment by removing unnecessary insurance approval barriers, improving patient access to care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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