NY S08361

Requires payment of claims under Medicaid contracts for home and community-based long-term care services to include reimbursement for personal protective equipment (PPE) expenses for direct care workers, care recipients, and a 90-day emergency supply.

Mandates PPE reimbursement be clearly identified as an addition to base payment rates and supplement existing contracts without reducing current service payments.

Requires annual adjustment of standardized PPE payment amounts based on clinical best practices and public health considerations, with rate adjustments implemented within 30 days following a state of emergency declaration.

Prohibits providers and fiscal intermediaries from retaining or redirecting PPE funding for other purposes and requires insurers and providers to report compliance to the Department of Health through standardized cost reports.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.