New York Senate Bill S03447

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires a person incarcerated in state and county-owned or operated correctional facilities to make medical co-payments of seven dollars upon receipt of medical treatment; provides that an incarcerated individual shall not be refused treatment for lack of ability to pay co-payment charges; directs all moneys collected to be made available for the operation of such correctional facility.

Summary

Bill S03447 proposes to amend the correction law in New York to require incarcerated individuals in state and county-operated correctional facilities to make a medical co-payment of seven dollars for medical treatment received. The bill stipulates that individuals will not be denied treatment due to an inability to pay the co-payment, ensuring that medical care remains accessible. Additionally, the bill mandates that all collected co-payments be allocated to the operational costs of the correctional facilities, thereby potentially enhancing their financial sustainability. The legislation includes provisions for tracking medical visits, requiring individuals to sign a log that documents their treatment. It also specifies that if an incarcerated person does not have sufficient funds in their account to cover the co-payment, their account will be frozen until adequate funds are available. Notably, psychiatric visits are exempt from co-payment charges, which reflects a consideration for mental health treatment within the correctional system. The bill is designed to create a structured approach to medical expenses in correctional facilities, aiming to balance the financial responsibilities of incarcerated individuals with their right to necessary medical care. The implementation of this bill would require the commissioner to establish rules and regulations to facilitate its provisions, indicating a need for administrative oversight in the process. Overall, this bill represents a significant shift in how medical treatment is financed within correctional facilities, potentially impacting the financial management of these institutions and the healthcare access of incarcerated individuals.

Impact

If enacted, S03447 will alter the financial landscape of medical care within New York's correctional facilities by introducing a co-payment system. This change may lead to increased revenue for facilities, as funds collected from co-payments will be directed towards their operational costs. However, it may also raise concerns regarding the financial burden placed on incarcerated individuals, particularly those with limited resources. The bill's assurance that treatment will not be denied due to inability to pay is a critical aspect that seeks to mitigate potential negative consequences of the co-payment requirement.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03447 appears to be mixed, with some stakeholders supporting the initiative as a means to enhance the financial viability of correctional facilities, while others express concern about the implications for incarcerated individuals' access to healthcare. The lack of voting history and committee discussions available suggests that the bill may still be in the early stages of consideration, and further debate is likely as it progresses through the legislative process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the ethical implications of requiring incarcerated individuals to pay for medical treatment, which some advocates argue could deter individuals from seeking necessary care. Opponents of the bill may include human rights advocates and healthcare professionals who emphasize the importance of accessible medical care for all individuals, regardless of their financial situation. Proponents may argue that the co-payment system is a reasonable approach to managing healthcare costs within correctional facilities.