Bill > A00269

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for enrolling eligible incarcerated individuals in medical assistance programs, with several key provisions. The bill requires the Department of Corrections and local correctional facilities to proactively enroll incarcerated individuals in the Medical Assistance for Needy Persons program (Medicaid), unless they are already enrolled, ineligible, or choose not to participate. While medical assistance will not cover services during incarceration (with limited exceptions), the bill mandates that enrollment documents be kept in the individual's records and provided upon release. If an individual is ineligible for Medicaid, facilities must make diligent efforts to determine eligibility for other medical insurance programs and assist with enrollment if desired. Additionally, the bill requires an annual report from the Commissioner of Corrections, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, detailing medical insurance enrollment statistics for incarcerated individuals, including enrollment status before, during, and after incarceration. The bill aims to ensure continuity of healthcare coverage for incarcerated individuals and facilitate their access to medical services upon release, with the implementation set to begin 180 days after becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A269