Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5397: Relates to Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric care

Requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric care to remain consistent and uniform throughout the duration of the patient's hospitalization, regardless of length of stay.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnsures consistent Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric care, preventing payment fluctuations that could hinder access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4523: Relates to excused absence of a public employee for mental health purposes

This bill (S 4523) creates a new paid leave entitlement for public employees in New York State to address mental or behavioral health needs. It directly affects all covered public employees, including state workers, county staff, school employees, community college personnel, and those in retirement systems. The key provision allows these employees to take paid leave for mental health appointments without using their accrued sick leave. The leave is specifically designated for mental health purposes and does not count against existing sick time. This policy change provides a clear, non-punitive way for public employees to access mental health care.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirectly supports school employees' mental health needs, enhancing educator well-being and retention without restricting education policies.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates paid leave for mental health appointments, expanding access to mental health services for public employees without using sick leave.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates new paid mental health leave for public employees, expanding worker benefits without requiring sick leave use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Paid Leave Public Employees

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 2046: Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program

Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates mental health degree programs at universities to expand educational access and workforce preparation in higher education, directly advancing educational opportunity.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes mental health education programs to train professionals, directly supporting workforce development for mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7298: Includes ambulance services to the emergency room as part of emergency services for the purposes of surprise bills

This bill amends New York's financial services law to explicitly include ambulance services to an emergency room as part of "emergency services" for surprise billing protections. It requires health insurance plans to cover non-participating ambulance providers' emergency services (including ambulance rides to the ER) without charging patients more out-of-pocket than they would with a participating provider. The law prohibits ambulance providers from billing patients for costs beyond standard copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. It also extends these protections to mobile crisis intervention services provided by licensed mental health or addiction services providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prevents surprise billing for ambulance services to ER, ensuring patients pay no more than with in-network providers. Directly protects patient financial rights in healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

R 1250: Establishes a list of grantees for certain appropriations for the 2025-26 state fiscal year

This Senate Resolution (R 1250) establishes specific grant allocations for the 2025-26 state fiscal year, directly affecting community organizations providing services in elder guardianship, transgender/non-binary wellness, LGBT health, school health centers, sickle cell care, and veterans' mental health. It requires the Senate to approve a plan listing grantees and funding amounts (e.g., $640,000 to Project Guardianship Inc., $75,000 to University of Rochester's Gender Wellness Program) before funds can be expended. The resolution mandates that all allocations follow a Senate-approved process requiring majority vote on a roll call. It does not create new policy but formalizes existing funding disbursement for designated programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates specific state funds ($640k, $75k) to community organizations for essential public services including elder care and LGBT health, directly advancing budget appropriations for these programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds school health centers and university wellness programs, directly supporting student health services within educational settings per grant allocations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates funds to LGBT health, veterans' mental health, sickle cell care, and school health centers - directly advancing healthcare services through specific grant funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExplicitly allocates funds for veterans' mental health services in grant allocations, directly advancing veteran healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 998: Permits telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the workers' compensation system

Permits telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the workers' compensation system; permits one in-person visit within twelve months unless such in-person visit causes undue hardship on a patient.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits telemedicine for mental health under workers' comp, expanding access to care without restricting services or reducing benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands mental health care access under workers' compensation, strengthening worker benefits for work-related mental health issues.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Telehealth Workers' Compensation

Track

in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 5241: Relates to utilization review determinations

Provides that certain utilization review determinations shall be made consistent with medical and scientific evidence; includes services for mental health and substance use disorders as part of emergency services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncludes mental health/substance use services in emergency care, requiring evidence-based utilization reviews - expands access to critical care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9050: Authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for mental health clubhouses

Defines "mental health clubhouse"; provides that the department of health, in consultation with the office of mental health, shall authorize Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by mental health clubhouses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes Medicaid reimbursement for mental health clubhouses, expanding coverage and funding for mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 1366: Relates to prohibiting certain suicide prevention and mental health services hotlines from being automated

Directs the commissioner of the office of mental health to promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting any suicide prevention or mental health services hotline operated or sponsored by the state from being automated.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits automation of state mental health hotlines, ensuring direct human access to critical services, aligning with mental health support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3974: Creates the office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access

This bill creates an independent office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access in New York. The ombudsperson will directly assist New Yorkers - especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, or navigating complex coverage - with resolving issues related to mental health and substance use disorder care access, including complaints about insurers or providers. Key provisions include the ombudsperson operating autonomously (with independent hiring and budget control), helping consumers file appeals, tracking violations of treatment rules, and reporting annually to state officials on access challenges. The office will not make policy changes but will serve as a neutral resource to navigate existing systems and connect people to appropriate support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new office with independent budget control, funding behavioral health access services as a public program.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates office to resolve mental health/substance use disorder access issues, improving patient navigation and rights for uninsured/underinsured.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track