Establishes a medical cost-of-living adjustment and utility bill relief for senior citizens based on documented medical necessity; provides that any gas or electric corporation operating within the state shall, in coordination with the department and the office of temporary and disability assistance, establish a medical cost-of-living adjustment program for residential customers aged sixty-five years or older who incur documented medical expenses necessary to maintain or preserve life or basic bodily function.
Impact
The bill's provisions change the existing public service and social services laws, requiring utility companies to operate under new guidelines that factor in documented medical necessities. This entails providing graduated utility bill discounts starting at 15% and potentially rising up to 25% based on the extent of the medical expenses related to maintaining or preserving basic bodily functions. Such a framework not only offers financial relief but also introduces additional safeguards against utility service termination for eligible households.
Summary
S08683 is a legislative bill aimed at providing significant financial relief to senior citizens in New York facing high medical costs. It introduces a medical cost-of-living adjustment program specifically tailored for residential customers aged 65 and older who incur essential medical expenses. The bill mandates that all gas and electric corporations in the state coordinate with governmental departments to establish this program, ensuring that elderly residents can significantly alleviate their utility expenses related to life-sustaining medical needs and treatments.
Contention
While S08683 seeks to address the pressing issue of utility insecurity among vulnerable seniors, potential points of contention may arise regarding its implementation and the financial implications for utility companies. Critics might argue that the financial strain on utility companies could lead to increased rates for all consumers, raising concerns over the sustainability of such programs. There are also questions regarding the criteria for establishing medical necessity, the administration of discounts, and whether these measures might unintentionally sideline aid for other at-risk populations that also require assistance.
Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.
Enacts "Isabella's law" to require all health insurance policies and medical assistance to provide insurance coverage for the cost of medically necessary hearing aids for children under the age of 16.
Establishes a family caregiver program which shall receive reimbursement from Medicaid and directs the commissioner of health to secure approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for family caregivers.
Provides for cost-of-living adjustments of disability benefits for an employee with a permanent total disability to be based on an increase of the consumer price index as promulgated by the U.S. department of labor.