Albany, NY – Governor Hochul vetoed a bill by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin which would allow everyone to have access to medical equipment and technology, especially the elderly and most vulnerable.

“I am deeply disappointed with Governor Hochul’s veto of A.6022a/S.4787a,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “This legislation would provide a more streamlined and transparent process for providers, and the public, to have new and advanced medical technology and services covered by Medicaid.”

Currently the Evidence Based Benefits Review Advisory Committee (EBBRAC) determines what services and technologies Medicaid should cover. Under EBRAC’s current setup, they must contract with an outside vendor who reviews new potential contracts. However EBBRAC has been without a vendor since 2017. This legislation would change the EBBRAC process to ensure that the Health Department maintains the ability to approve or disapprove new technologies or services without a vendor. The bill also requires EBBRAC to maintain periodic reviews of pending applications.

“We must ensure that there is an avenue for applications for coverage of new technologies under Medicaid to be reviewed so that our poor and elderly who are on Medicaid can have access to the same level of care as those who are not on Medicaid. Providing high quality health care for our poor, elderly and most vulnerable New Yorkers is key to not only high ethical standards, but will allow these citizens to hold jobs, care for their families, and lead full and productive lives. For these reasons I will be reintroducing this bill in the 2025 Legislative Session. Upon its passage in the Legislature, I urge Governor Hochul to swiftly sign it into law,” said Assemblywoman Paulin.

A.6022a/S.4787a was passed in the New York State Senate by Senator Rivera.