Bill > S03326

This bill establishes the "New York's Own combat veterans healthcare choice program" to provide financial support and healthcare options for New York National Guard members who served in combat zones during Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. The program creates special tax-free savings accounts that allow eligible combat veterans to set aside up to $5,000 per year for healthcare expenses when they are unable to receive timely care from the federal Veterans Administration. If a qualified veteran cannot secure healthcare services within 90 days of applying to the VA, the state will contribute up to $5,000 annually to their account for up to three years. The bill also creates a voluntary registry for veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq between 2001 and the end of U.S. military operations in those countries. The account contributions will be tax-deductible, and the funds can be used for qualified medical expenses. The program is designed to help combat veterans access healthcare more quickly and provide financial support during potential delays in receiving federal VA medical services. The bill specifies detailed rules about account management, eligible expenses, and administrative procedures to ensure proper implementation of the program.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3326