Bill > S08427

This bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates and introduces new funding mechanisms for behavioral health services for individuals under 21 years old. Specifically, beginning April 1, 2026, the bill mandates a minimum 35% increase in Medicaid payments for outpatient behavioral health clinic services for youth, provided under articles thirty-one and thirty-two of the mental hygiene law. The bill also introduces a care coordination fee of at least $7.50 per member per month and includes a 3.2% trend factor for these services. By October 1, 2025, the commissioner of health is required to submit state plan amendments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement these rate increases, which will be subject to federal financial participation. Additionally, the bill amends the state finance law to allow funds from the healthcare stability fund to be used for funding these children's behavioral health outpatient rate increases. The goal of the bill is to improve access and quality of behavioral health services for young people by providing more substantial financial support to healthcare providers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8427