Bill > A05397

This bill amends the public health law to require Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient psychiatric hospital services to remain consistent and uniform throughout a patient's entire hospitalization, regardless of how long they stay. Specifically, the bill prohibits reducing per diem (daily) payment rates based on the length of a patient's stay, ensuring that hospitals receive the same rate of payment from the first day to the last day of a patient's treatment. The bill includes a provision allowing the health commissioner to implement alternative payment methodologies, as long as they maintain access to and quality of care. Additionally, the bill mandates that within 180 days of the act's effective date, the health commissioner must submit a report to state leadership detailing the regulatory changes and providing an assessment of how these changes might impact hospital reimbursement rates and patient care outcomes. The act is designed to provide financial stability for hospitals providing psychiatric care and potentially improve continuity of treatment for patients receiving medical assistance.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5397