Bill > S07984

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to provide a comprehensive exemption for individuals in the Medicaid recipient restriction program who are seeking opioid treatment program services. Specifically, the bill ensures that Medicaid recipients identified in the recipient restriction program (which typically imposes limitations on certain medical services) will be fully exempt from coverage and payment restrictions when receiving opioid use disorder treatments, including methadone maintenance and buprenorphine. Medicaid managed care plans will be required to cover these medically necessary opioid treatment services without additional barriers like extra authorizations, referrals, or edits, and claims for such services cannot be denied due to recipient restriction program limitations. The bill aims to remove potential obstacles that might prevent individuals struggling with opioid use disorder from accessing critical treatment services. The New York State Department of Health is tasked with developing regulations to implement these new provisions, and the act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7984