BILL NUMBER: S9224A
SPONSOR: GOUNARDES
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to educating nursing
home residents about the role of legal counsel in applying for Medicaid
and Medicare benefits
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation would ensure that adequate notice is provided to resi-
dents of nursing homes and their designated representatives, that they
have the option of hiring legal representation to assist with applying
for Medicaid benefits. The federal and state rules regarding Medicaid
eligibility change regularly, and without benefiting from the legal
expertise of a professional focused in this area of law, it could result
in inappropriate denials, delays accessing care, or other financial
consequences for the applicant. Providing a notice to residents and
their representative would ensure that they understand that legal
assistance may be beneficial when preparing a Medicaid application.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section One. Amends subdivision 3 of section 2803-c of the public health
law by adding a new paragraph s
Section Two. Provides for the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Current law does not provide adequate notice to nursing home residents
and their representatives that they have the opportunity to seek legal
representation when applying for Medicaid nursing home benefits.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law

Statutes affected:
S9224A: 2803-c public health law, 2803-c(3) public health law