NY A07538

Requires the Division of Veterans' Services, in consultation with the Department of Health, to conduct a comprehensive study on improving veterans' healthcare in New York and report findings to the legislature by December 31, 2023.

Study must examine increasing access to health coverage and services for veterans and families, leveraging existing resources, incorporating veteran needs into state healthcare expansion efforts, and ensuring access to mental health treatment including PTSD, depression, and suicide prevention services.

Study must evaluate whether current programs meet veteran needs, identify all available federal and state health benefits, assess healthcare delays, and examine the potential effectiveness of health care navigators to assist veterans in accessing benefits.

Study must evaluate healthcare choice accounts (individual savings accounts for veterans to obtain care from providers of their choice) for organized militia members who served in combat zones and have service-connected disabilities, with deposits being deductible from state personal income tax.

Bill takes effect 60 days after becoming law, with provisions in the Veterans' Services Law section taking effect concurrently with section 2 of part PP of chapter 56 of the 2022 laws.