New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08618

Introduced
12/15/25  
Refer
12/15/25  

Caption

Enacts the "behavioral health transportation access act", in relation to establishing a transportation assistance voucher demonstration program for certain outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services.

Impact

If enacted, S08618 will amend existing provisions of the mental hygiene law by introducing a structured program that provides transportation vouchers to eligible individuals. These vouchers are intended for use in getting to and from licensed or funded outpatient mental health and substance use disorder programs. The bill expresses that reliable transportation is critical for maintaining access to care, avoiding crises, and reducing the financial burden of transportation costs that might discourage individuals from seeking necessary services.

Summary

Bill S08618, known as the 'Behavioral Health Transportation Access Act,' aims to address transportation challenges faced by individuals seeking outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services. The bill proposes establishing a transportation assistance voucher demonstration program designed to provide eligible individuals with transportation assistance to ensure they can reliably attend their appointments. This initiative is particularly aimed at those who often face financial hurdles and are not covered by Medicaid for non-emergency transportation, thereby reducing the risk of missed appointments and promoting better health outcomes for residents in need.

Contention

While the bill's objectives are generally supported due to the clear need for improved access to behavioral health services, there may be areas of contention related to its implementation and funding. Critics might raise concerns regarding the adequacy of the proposed funding sources, which could include state appropriations and federal funds. Another point of debate may revolve around eligibility verification procedures and the potential for duplication of benefits with existing services. The effectiveness of the bill will largely depend on the execution of the demonstration program, data collection, and ongoing evaluations, as outlined in the legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S08309

Returns outpatient mental health, substance use disorder, residential and rehabilitation services to Medicaid fee-for-service.

NY A08055

Returns outpatient mental health, substance use disorder, residential and rehabilitation services to Medicaid fee-for-service.

NY S777

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NY A1796

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NY A08600

Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health services provided to individuals under the age of twenty-one; directs that funds in the healthcare stability fund can be used for the funding of children's behavioral health outpatient rate increases.

NY S08427

Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health services provided to individuals under the age of twenty-one; directs that funds in the healthcare stability fund can be used for the funding of children's behavioral health outpatient rate increases.

NY S08363

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

NY A08734

Requires a rate enhancement for reimbursement of individual psychotherapy services provided by a mental health counselor, a clinical social worker, or a psychologist where such services are provided in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic.

NY S07984

Exempts any covered substance use disorder and mental health treatment services and all FDA approved medications for the treatment of substance use disorder, HIV, hepatitis C and mental health conditions, from all recipient restriction program coverage and payment restrictions.

NY A09002

Exempts any covered substance use disorder and mental health treatment services and all FDA approved medications for the treatment of substance use disorder, HIV, hepatitis C and mental health conditions, from all recipient restriction program coverage and payment restrictions.

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