Bill > A01991

This bill enacts the "Fair Pay for Home Care Act," which establishes a new minimum wage structure for home care aides, requiring their wages to be set at 150% of the applicable statewide or regional minimum wage starting April 2, 2027. The legislation introduces a comprehensive framework for determining regional minimum hourly base reimbursement rates that account for various employment costs, including overtime, transportation, benefits, payroll taxes, and administrative expenses. The bill mandates that the New York State Commissioner of Health establish these regional rates and annually adjust them to reflect labor law changes. Additionally, the bill requires managed care organizations and other service providers to reimburse home care agencies at these established rates, with the state comptroller given authority to review and audit contracts to ensure compliance. The legislation also includes a requirement for state departments to conduct a study on expanding the state earned income tax credit for home care aides, examining potential strategies to improve worker compensation and workforce retention. The bill aims to address wage disparities and support home care workers by ensuring more comprehensive and regionally appropriate compensation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1991