New York Assembly Bill A09169

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/17/25
• Refer: 10/17/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Enacts the New York-Dominican health partnership act; establishes a commission to study and develop a framework for authorizing New York state-funded health services for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities residing part-time in the Dominican Republic through a pilot partnership with the Seguro Nacional de Salud (SeNaSa), the primary public health insurer of the Dominican Republic and explores overall bilateral health collaboration between the state of New York and the Dominican Republic.

Impact

The anticipated impact of this bill focuses on alleviating healthcare challenges faced by seniors and individuals with disabilities who are dual residents in New York and the Dominican Republic. By coordinating health services through the Seguro Nacional de Salud (SeNaSa), which has established a robust public health infrastructure, the bill is positioned to enhance healthcare access while potentially reducing the overall costs incurred by the New York Medicaid program. The financial implications, particularly projected savings from fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations for these populations, represent a significant driving force behind this initiative.

Summary

Bill A09169, also known as the New York-Dominican Health Partnership Act, proposes the establishment of a commission to assess and develop a pilot program aimed at providing state-funded health services specifically for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities residing part-time or full-time in the Dominican Republic. This legislation acknowledges the significant number of New York State residents, especially those of Dominican heritage, who maintain ties with their home country, leading to gaps in healthcare continuity due to existing limitations in the federal Medicaid system which does not cover services provided outside the U.S. The bill emphasizes the need for affordable and accessible primary and preventive healthcare options to avoid costly interventions that arise from delayed medical care.

Contention

The bill's journey through the legislative process is not without contention. Concerns have been raised about the efficacy of a pilot program being funded exclusively by state appropriations until federal matching funds can be secured. Additionally, opposition may stem from apprehensions regarding the continuity of care and regulatory compliance when crossing borders. The bill seeks to address these issues through extensive feasibility studies, and the collaboration between the New York State Department of Health and relevant Dominican authorities is essential for successful implementation. The overall sentiment reflects a balance between innovative healthcare solutions and the complexities of international health policy.