BILL NUMBER: S4948
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to reimbursement for
non-medical transportation for individuals with a substance use disorder
to receive peer support services
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to reimbursement for peer and transportation services for indi-
viduals with a substance use disorder
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the mental hygiene law by adding section 19.18d which
requires the office to establish reimbursement rates by January 1st,
2025, for transportation services for individuals with substance use
disorder to receive services from a peer certified by the Office of
Addiction Services and Supports. Additionally, this section requests
that the office in consultation with the department of health pursue
Medicaid participation and requests that the office consider the use of
any federal grants, including state opioid response grants, supplemental
substance abuse prevention, and treatment block grants, and opioid liti-
gation settlement funds to support such reimbursement.
Section 2: States the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, peer services for individuals with a substance use disorder
diagnosis, which are provided in certified OASAS settings, qualify for
reimbursement. Although peer services are generally the same regardless
of the setting, some recovery support settings like recovery support
homes, which offer peer services do not qualify for reimbursement
because they are not affiliated with an outpatient treatment center.
Understanding that recovery is a lifelong journey, we must ensure that
those seeking support are able to receive it in a timely manner and that
providers are adequately reimbursed so they are incentivized to continue
to provide these services.
This bill seeks to create a reimbursement rate for existing facilities
that offer transportation to peer support services. Supporting these
alternative locations supports individuals who are seeking peer services
by offering these services where the individuals are already currently
visiting and increasing the peer retention rate.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S4536B/A1151 - Died in Finance
2021-2022: S7910A/A9295A - Passed Senate/Died in Ways and Means
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.