This bill eliminates two restrictions on New York's long-term care insurance tax credit. It removes the $1,500 annual cap on the credit amount and the $250,000 gross income limit that previously restricted eligibility. As a result, New York residents who pay for qualifying long-term care insurance will now receive a tax credit equal to 20% of their premiums, without the previous dollar limit or income threshold. The change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and affects individuals purchasing qualifying long-term care insurance policies.
Establishes a wound care kit and xylazine test strip distribution program to supply wound care kits designed for the treatment of injection-related wounds and skin and soft tissue infections, and xylazine test strips, to individuals with a substance use disorder or who are otherwise at risk of drug use, free of charge; prohibits facilities from collecting personally identifying information on such individuals; prohibits police from targeting individuals receiving wound care kits or xylazine test strips under such program.
Imposes a one year residency requirement for eligibility for medical assistance; authorizes the commissioner of health to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement this act.
Enacts the "Equal Access to Health and Human Services for Limited English Speaking Individuals Act"; directs certain state agencies to provide language assistance services for persons seeking family assistance, health or labor services; requires record keeping; requires free translation for 22 languages.
Establishes a statewide person-centered mental health services work group to improve statewide mental health planning and outcomes to achieve a person-centered, prevention-first integrated and tiered system of care for holistic health and wellness.
Establishes the New York long term care trust program to provide long term care benefits for eligible residents who have paid the required premium contributions and are in need of assistance with at least two activities of daily living as determined by the department of health.
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.
Authorizes patients to designate an essential visitor who may assist the patient and perform certain duties on behalf of the patient, including communicating with facility staff regarding the needs of the patient, providing emotional stability and company, and requesting additional care or a change in the care plan.
Allows dental provider networks, certain health and hospital service corporations, and health care plans to enter into contracts with a third party to gain access to services and discounted rates of a provider under a provider network contract.
This bill requires New York state agencies to consider health and environmental impacts when purchasing goods and services. It amends procurement rules to include long-term costs like toxic chemical exposure (e.g., in office equipment, building supplies) and environmental damage in budget decisions. The policy mandates that agencies prioritize products with minimal adverse health and environmental effects, such as avoiding mercury or lead in common items. This affects all state agencies making purchases, including schools, hospitals, and government offices, by changing how they evaluate "cost" to include public health and environmental factors.
