NY A09476

Defines "enhanced safety net hospitals" as facilities meeting criteria including: at least 50% of patients covered by Medicaid or uninsured, at least 40% inpatient discharges covered by Medicaid, 25% or less commercially insured patients, at least 3% uninsured patient care, and provision of community services including dental and prenatal care.

Designates public hospitals operated by counties, municipalities, or public benefit corporations as enhanced safety net hospitals.

Designates federally-designated critical access hospitals and sole community hospitals as enhanced safety net hospitals.

Authorizes the commissioner to adjust Medicaid reimbursement rates to enhanced safety net hospitals to support critically needed health care services and ensure continued operation.

Establishes that the state, not local governments, covers the non-federal share of medical assistance payments; payments may be added to rates or made as aggregate payments to eligible general hospitals.