Bill > A01099

This bill amends the elder law to modify how information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is provided to participants in the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health to notify EPIC program participants about HEAP eligibility and how to apply for the program, with this information to be included with paper applications and sent annually to all program participants. The bill replaces previous language about automated data matching and enrollment with a requirement for more direct communication. Instead of automatically enrolling participants, the bill now stipulates that if a participant's household applies and is enrolled in HEAP, the local social services district will provide written notification according to OTDA (Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance) regulations. The bill also updates terminology, such as changing references to "office" to specifically mean OTDA, and clarifies the consultation process between the Department of Health and OTDA in developing participant notifications. The changes aim to improve information sharing and access to energy assistance for elderly participants while removing previous automatic enrollment mechanisms.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1099