Bill > S05810

This bill aims to amend the public health law to set reimbursement rates for essential safety net hospitals. Essential safety net hospitals are defined as those that predominantly serve historically marginalized communities, with Medicaid and uninsured patients making up at least 36% of their patient population. The bill requires the Commissioner of Health to seek federal approval to reimburse these hospitals at no less than the regional average commercial rates for healthcare services, as reported by a nonprofit organization. The bill also requires managed care organizations to provide quarterly certifications of compliance and report on claim denials for essential safety net hospitals. The bill is intended to promote access to care and support investments in these hospitals, which have faced long-term underfunding and inequities.