Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Expand Health Care Access for New Yorkers

Legislation S.8486-C/A.9102-C Relates to Medicaid Reimbursement for Treatment in Place and Transportation to Alternative Health Care Settings by Ground Ambulance Services

Legislation S.6226-A/A.5789-A Provides For Availability of Ambulance Services and Advanced Life Support First Response Services to Store and Distribute Blood and Initiate and Administer Blood Transfusions

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package to ensure equitable access to essential health care and reaffirm New York’s commitment to safeguarding public health and improving patient outcomes across communities.

“My Administration is committed to addressing health care disparities in our State and ensuring all New Yorkers can access the care that they need and deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation ensures essential treatment and transportation, and allows New Yorkers to focus on their well-being during an emergency rather than worrying about the financial cost or availability of critical health care when they need it most.”

Legislation S.8486-C/A.9102-C requires Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment in place is administered and/or when transportation is provided to alternative health care settings instead of a general hospital

Legislation S.6226-A/A.5789-A authorizes ground ambulance and advanced life support first response services to store and distribute blood and initiate and administer blood transfusions, mirroring authorizations provided to air ambulance services.