Bill > A06645

This bill amends the Elder Law to modify how cost of living adjustments are calculated for pharmaceutical insurance coverage. Specifically, the bill requires the commissioner of health to make annual adjustments to program eligibility standards and income categories based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a measure of the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for goods and services. The CPI increase will be calculated using the "all items United States city average" for the previous year, and the adjustment cannot exceed this percentage. The bill removes previous language that limited adjustments to available appropriations, instead mandating an annual review and potential adjustment of eligibility standards and income categories. This change aims to ensure that pharmaceutical insurance coverage and related income thresholds keep pace with inflation, potentially making such coverage more accessible to elderly individuals as the cost of living increases. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6645