NY A04999

Establishes the "New York's Own combat veterans healthcare choice program" allowing New York resident service members injured or disabled during active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom to access state-funded healthcare choice accounts when unable to receive timely federal Veterans Administration care within 90 days of application.

Provides up to $5,000 annually per service member into a New York combat veterans healthcare choice account for qualified healthcare expenses, continuing for up to three years or until federal Veterans Administration care is received.

Creates tax deductions for account owners contributing to these accounts (up to $5,000 for individuals/heads of household, $10,000 for married couples filing jointly) and establishes a special trust fund managed by the state comptroller to hold and invest account assets.

Exempts account funds from being applied to satisfy money judgments and requires the division of military and naval affairs to establish a confidential voluntary registry of honorably discharged veterans who served during the specified periods in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Takes effect immediately and applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022.