NY S08618

Establishes a transportation assistance voucher demonstration program through the Office of Mental Health and Office of Addiction Services and Supports to provide round-trip transportation for outpatient behavioral health appointments

Limits eligibility to New York residents with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level who are not enrolled in Medicaid and lack access to safe, reliable, no-cost transportation

Authorizes vouchers in the form of digital codes, prepaid cards, paper vouchers, transit passes, or reimbursements for public transit, taxis, rideshare services, and other approved transportation

Requires the commissioner to submit reports to the governor and legislature starting three years after implementation, with annual reports thereafter on program outcomes and recommendations

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law and explicitly states the program does not create an entitlement to transportation assistance