Bill > A07416

This bill establishes the "9/11 First Responders and Survivors' Emergency Healthcare Access Act" by creating a special state fund to provide financial support for 9/11 first responders and survivors facing healthcare challenges. The fund will provide money for medical treatments, prescriptions, and essential care services when a federal claim is delayed or a federal benefit is under appeal, specifically targeting urgent health-related needs. The bill defines 9/11 first responders and survivors as individuals who participated in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations, or those who lived and worked within the World Trade Center site. A nine-member task force will be established to monitor the fund's administration, investigate healthcare access delays, make policy recommendations, and collect data on healthcare outcomes. The state will initially appropriate $5 million to the fund, and the department of health will be responsible for distributing funds through an application process. The task force will be required to submit annual reports detailing the fund's usage, effectiveness, and recommendations. The act is set to take effect on April 1, 2026, providing a proactive approach to supporting those impacted by the September 11th attacks and their ongoing health challenges.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7416