NY A04178

Establishes the "New York combat veterans healthcare choice program" allowing combat veterans to create tax-free savings accounts for healthcare expenses when federal Veterans Administration cannot provide timely care within 90 days of application.

Provides up to $5,000 annually in state payments into eligible veterans' accounts for up to three years, limited to New York residents who served 360+ days in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom combat zones.

Creates a state income tax deduction of up to $5,000 per calendar year (or $10,000 for married couples filing jointly) for contributions made by account owners to these healthcare choice accounts.

Establishes a New York combat veterans healthcare choice program trust fund under state comptroller custody to hold and invest account assets, with accounts exempt from creditors' claims under civil procedure law.

Directs the Division of Military and Naval Affairs to maintain a confidential registry of honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty in Afghanistan or Iraq, accessible only to those veterans for proof of service.