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A 8055

Relates to outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services and Medicaid fee-for-service

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Berger and 9 co-sponsors

Expands or clarifies outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services under Medicaid fee-for-service, including coverage and reimbursement implications.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8055

Summary of Assembly Bill A 8055

Overview

Assembly Bill A 8055, introduced April 22, 2025, relates to outpatient mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services and Medicaid fee-for-service. The bill is currently REFERRED TO THE HEALTH committee. A companion measure exists in the Senate as S 8309.

  • Bill number: A 8055
  • Title: Relates to outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services and Medicaid fee-for-service
  • Status: Referred to Health
  • Introduced: April 22, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Jo Anne Simon
  • Cosponsors: Judy Griffin, Andrew Hevesi, Dana Levenberg, Sam Berger, Phil Steck, David McDonough, Keith Brown, David Weprin, Amy Paulin
  • Related bill (companion): S 8309

Purpose and scope (inferred from the bill’s title)

The bill is broaderly focused on outpatient services for mental health and substance use disorders within the Medicaid fee-for-service program. While the specific statutory changes are not provided in the available summary, bills with this framing typically address issues such as coverage scope, reimbursement structures for outpatient MHSUD services, and alignment with Medicaid fee-for-service policies.

What the bill could address (typical areas for this subject)

Because the text is not included in the summary, potential provisions often seen in similar bills may include:
- Expanding or clarifying coverage of outpatient mental health and SUD services under Medicaid fee-for-service
- Revisions to reimbursement rates or reimbursement methodologies for outpatient providers
- Requirements related to parity between mental health/SUD benefits and other medical benefits
- Telehealth or other innovative delivery models for outpatient care
- Streamlining prior authorization or access procedures
- Definitions of eligible services, providers, and settings
- Data collection, reporting, and accountability measures
- Coordination with state mental health/SUD programs or waivers

Note: The exact provisions would be detailed in the bill text if and when it is released or amended.

Who would be affected

  • Medicaid beneficiaries: Individuals receiving outpatient mental health and/or SUD services under the fee-for-service program.
  • Outpatient providers: Mental health and SUD clinics, therapists, psychiatrists, and other licensed providers who bill Medicaid FFS.
  • State Medicaid program: Administration, policy, and reimbursement processes would be directly impacted.
  • Public health and behavioral health systems: Potential changes in access, service delivery models, and reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill has been introduced and referred to the Health committee, with a record noting two entries on 2025-04-22.
  • As a companion to S 8309, both chambers may advance parallel or coordinated consideration.
  • Next steps typically include committee markup, potential amendments, floor votes in the Assembly, and eventual negotiation with the Senate if it advances.

Next steps / How to follow

  • Monitor the Health committee agenda for a potential hearing or amendments.
  • Review the full bill text and fiscal impact statements when released.
  • Check for the companion Senate action on S 8309 for parallel progress and potential convergence.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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