Bill > S04259

This bill establishes a healthy birth grant demonstration program that provides a $1,800 grant to households with new parents receiving medical assistance during the third trimester of pregnancy. The program requires the state to seek a federal waiver to implement the grant, which will be available to various types of parents including biological, adoptive, and intended parents who meet medical assistance eligibility requirements. The bill specifically ensures that the healthy birth grant will not be considered income or resources for determining eligibility for multiple public benefit programs, including SNAP (food stamps), low-income home energy assistance, and child care subsidies. Additionally, the grant will be exempt from state and local income taxes, and will not count towards income calculations for various assistance programs and property tax exemptions. The grant is designed to provide financial support to low-income new parents without jeopardizing their eligibility for other essential social services. The bill will take effect 180 days after receiving a federal waiver from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4259