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

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4786: Eliminates a look-back period for home care for non-institutionalized Medicaid applicants; and repeals a certain provision of the social services law relating thereto

This bill eliminates the "look-back period" for Medicaid applicants receiving home care (non-institutionalized individuals), meaning their past asset transfers won't be reviewed to determine eligibility. It repeals a specific provision in the Social Services Law that previously required a 60-month review of asset transfers for home care applicants. The bill changes the eligibility rules to remove this review period, directly affecting people applying for community-based long-term care services instead of nursing home care. The change applies to non-institutionalized applicants and removes the requirement for reviewing asset transfers made within a specified look-back window.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEliminates asset review requirement for Medicaid home care eligibility, expanding access to community-based long-term care services without restricting coverage or funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3554: Increases the amount of the savings exemption for eligibility for Medicaid

Bill S 3554 increases the amount of personal savings individuals can have and still qualify for Medicaid benefits, directly affecting those seeking medical assistance. It changes the current savings exemption rule from a variable formula to a specific, fixed amount. Under this bill, the maximum savings amount for Medicaid eligibility, including for certain disabled individuals, would be set at $300,000. This change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, provided there is federal financial participation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid savings exemption to $300,000, expanding eligibility for healthcare coverage and improving access to medical assistance for low-income individuals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5015: Relates to applying a special Medicaid rate for releasees in nursing homes

Relates to applying a special Medicaid rate for releasees in facilities or discrete units within facilities that provide long term nursing or medical services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareApplies special Medicaid rate for nursing home releasees, expanding coverage under public health program for vulnerable populations95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4883: Relates to the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities

Excludes one-time federal assistance in the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareExcludes one-time federal aid from revenue calculation, potentially reducing required direct resident care spending by facilities.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7913: Relates to improper practices relating to staff membership or professional privileges of a physician and such physician's board certification

This bill prohibits hospitals and health insurance plans from unfairly denying medical staff privileges or network participation to healthcare providers. Specifically, it bans hospitals from refusing applications or denying privileges without valid reasons tied to patient care, and bars denying privileges based solely on a provider's licensure category or lack of current board certification (if they were previously board-certified). It also requires health plans and insurers to disclose application procedures, complete reviews within 60 days (with a 21-day extension for missing documents), and not reject previously board-certified physicians solely due to loss of certification. The law directly affects physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and midwives seeking hospital staff roles or health plan network inclusion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits unfair denial of medical staff privileges/network access, protecting provider rights and improving patient access to care by banning arbitrary denials based on licensure or board certification status.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes 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 No ✗ Opposes 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 No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5812: Prohibits approved providers of child health insurance coverage from discriminating against health care providers not participating in the insurer's network

Prohibits approved organizations providing coverage under the child health insurance plan from discriminating against health care providers which do not participate in the organization's health care network.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurers from discriminating against non-network providers, improving patient access to care and protecting provider choice under child health insurance programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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vetoed · New York · Assembly Dec 19, 2025

A 26: Prohibits Medicaid from requiring prior authorization for certain HIV medications

Prohibits Medicaid service providers from requiring prior authorization for antiretroviral prescription drugs for the treatment or prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization barriers for HIV medications, improving patient access to critical treatments under Medicaid.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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