BILL NUMBER: S4334
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing a senior
dental services grant program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would establish a grant program for the provision of dental
services exclusively for seniors in need of assistance.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the Elder Law by adding a new section 215-c. Estab-
lishes the senior dental services grant program and establishes respon-
sibilities of the Director of the State Office for the Aging, income
criteria for participants, and a report on the viability of the program
for the future. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for an
applicant who makes a false statement, submits false information or
conceals a material fact in order to receive such grant.
Section 2. Effective Date.
 
EXISTING LAW:
None.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
A large population of senior citizens in New York receives health cover-
age from Medicare, Medicaid, or other managed care providers, most of
which do not provide dental services to its patients. Oral health is
essential to overall health because of the danger posed by mouth bacte-
ria, tooth decay, and poor tooth strength which can leave a senior maln-
ourished. Not-for-profit organizations and dental schools have attempted
to fill this service gap, but have done so at a large personal expense.
This bill seeks to compensate those who have been able to provide
service and support their efforts going forward. It is vital to not only
keep current services up and running but to enable new programs to
provide services in parts of the state where they are desperately need-
ed.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S2875 Comrie/ A5423 Hyndman
2022: S5819
Senate Bill 7379 / Assembly Bill 10595 of 2017-18
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law.