Bill > S06025

This bill amends the New York State Social Services Law to authorize licensed creative arts therapists to bill Medicaid directly for their services, alongside mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. Specifically, the bill updates an existing provision in the law to include creative arts therapists as professionals who can provide care and services covered under Medicaid, while explicitly stating that this amendment does not expand the scope of practice for these licensed professionals as defined in Article 163 of the Education Law. Creative arts therapists are professionals who use various art forms (such as music, dance, drama, or visual arts) as a form of therapeutic intervention to help individuals address mental health, emotional, or psychological challenges. The bill will take effect 90 days after it becomes law, which will allow creative arts therapists to receive direct Medicaid reimbursement for their professional services, potentially increasing access to this type of therapeutic treatment for Medicaid recipients.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6025