Relates to determining whether the state can claim federal financial participation for coverage of and payment for certain evidence-based mobile medical applications

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham

Authorizes NY health agencies to determine federal match (FFP) eligibility for Medicaid coverage and payment of evidence-based mobile medical apps, expanding access and funding.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

Bill Summary: A 4077

Overview

Bill Number: A 4077

Title: Relates to determining whether the state can claim federal financial participation for coverage of and payment for certain evidence-based mobile medical applications

Sponsor (primary): Brian Cunningham

Status: REFERRED TO HEALTH

Introduced: January 31, 2025

Related Bill: A 4081 (prior-session)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to address whether New York can claim federal financial participation (FFP) for Medicaid-related coverage and payments for certain evidence-based mobile medical applications (apps).

In practical terms, this means evaluating if and how the state can use federal matching funds to support the use of mobile health apps as part of Medicaid-covered services.

Key Provisions (as indicated by title)

Authorizes or directs state agencies (likely including the Department of Health and the Medicaid program) to determine FFP eligibility for coverage and payment of specified mobile medical apps.

Aims to establish criteria for identifying “evidence-based” mobile medical applications that would qualify for Medicaid coverage and FFP.

Likely involves development of a framework for how the state would claim FFP (e.g., eligibility determinations, budgeting, and reimbursement mechanisms).

May require reporting, studies, or regulatory steps to implement and monitor the use of these apps within Medicaid or other state-funded health programs.

Specifics on app categories, evidence standards, reimbursement rates, or implementation timelines would be defined in the bill’s text.

Effects and Implications

Medicaid/State Health Programs: Potential expansion of coverage to include certain evidence-based mobile medical apps, optimizing use of federal matching funds.

Beneficiaries: Could broaden access to digital health tools that support chronic disease management, remote monitoring, and preventive care.

Providers and App Developers: May create opportunities for integration of apps into Medicaid-covered services and possible new reimbursement pathways.

State Administration: Requires analysis, criteria development for app eligibility, and potential regulatory or administrative changes to secure FFP.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

As of now, the bill is in the referral stage and has not advanced to a full floor vote. The health committee will likely consider whether the state should proceed with evaluating FFP eligibility for these apps and outline any necessary steps, studies, or rulemakings.

The text would provide concrete definitions, criteria, and deadlines if enacted.

Next Steps for Interested Readers

Monitor for committee hearings or amendments in the Health committee.

Review the bill’s full text when released to understand specific eligibility criteria and implementation timelines.

Consider related discussions in A 4081 (prior-session) for context on legislative intent and revisions.