Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 359: Prohibits state-operated hospitals from suing patients for medical debt

This bill prohibits state-operated hospitals - including university health centers, cancer institutes, and certain public hospitals - from taking patients to court to collect unpaid medical bills. It defines "medical debt" as any unpaid charge for health care services, products, or devices provided by these facilities. The law prevents hospitals from using court action to recover such debts, directly protecting patients who owe medical bills to these specific state-run institutions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits state hospitals from suing patients for medical debt, protecting patient rights and improving access to care by preventing financial penalties for unpaid bills.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

Track

died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7642: Relates to excluding the five New York state veterans homes from certain assessments

Excludes the five state-run veterans homes from assessments on their gross receipts received from all patient care services and other operating income; directs the Commissioner of Health to apply to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for any necessary waivers pursuant to federal law and regulation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes state veterans homes from gross receipts assessments, providing tax relief to public facilities under Budget & Taxes topic.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExcludes veterans homes from financial assessments on patient care income, protecting operational funding for healthcare services provided at these facilities.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExcludes veterans homes from income assessments, preserving funding for services and operations per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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 No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

Track

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

Track