Bill > A05773

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to authorize licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for their services, placing them on equal footing with mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. Specifically, the bill modifies an existing section of law to explicitly include creative arts therapists among the mental health professionals who can provide care and services covered under Medicaid. The bill clarifies that this change does not expand the scope of practice for creative arts therapists, but simply allows them to bill Medicaid for services they are already qualified to provide under their professional licensing. Creative arts therapists are licensed professionals who use artistic methods like music, dance, art, or drama as a form of therapy to help individuals address mental health, emotional, or psychological challenges. The bill will take effect 90 days after it becomes law, providing time for implementation and communication with relevant healthcare providers and Medicaid administrators.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5773