Bill > S07129

This bill requires the New York State Department of Veterans' Services to conduct a comprehensive veteran health care review by December 31, 2027, aimed at improving healthcare services for veterans and their families. The study will explore multiple aspects of veteran healthcare, including increasing access to health coverage, leveraging existing resources, ensuring veterans' needs are incorporated into state healthcare expansion efforts, and addressing mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. The review will specifically focus on women veterans' healthcare needs, evaluate existing veterans' programs, examine service gaps, and recommend strategies to improve healthcare access. The bill also calls for investigating potential solutions like health care navigators to help veterans access benefits and exploring the potential of health care choice accounts, which would be tax-deductible savings accounts that veterans could use to obtain healthcare services when they cannot receive timely care through the Veterans Health Administration. The comprehensive study aims to identify barriers to healthcare and develop targeted recommendations to better support veterans' medical and mental health needs.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7129