Bill > S03131

This bill seeks to align Medicaid optional benefits for adults over 21 with the minimum health insurance benefit levels required by private sector insurance plans under New York state law, excluding long-term care services. The legislature argues that current Medicaid benefits that exceed private insurance levels create disincentives for people to leave public assistance, contribute to the state's high Medicaid costs, and impact property taxes. Specifically, the bill amends the social services law to prohibit offering Medicaid optional services that go beyond the minimum benefits outlined in Article 43 of the insurance law for individuals over 21. The New York State Department of Health Commissioner is tasked with submitting necessary plan amendments to the federal Department of Health and Human Services and is authorized to create or modify regulations to implement the law. The bill, called the "Medicaid taxpayer equity act", will take effect 120 days after becoming law, with the primary goal of creating more equity between public and private health insurance benefit levels.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3131