In August of 1999, Kendra's Law was signed into law. In addition to the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) aspect of the law, the legislation establishes a grant program administered by the Office of Mental Health that provides funding to localities for medications and certain other services to treat mental illness during the period that an individual's eligibility for medical assistance (Medicaid) is being determined.

The Medication Grant Program (MGP) provides coverage for the cost of certain psychiatric medications and other services for those who are eligible for Medicaid and being discharged or released from hospitals, local jails, and prisons. The coverage bridges the gap between the time an individual is discharged or released into the community and the time when their Medicaid becomes active. It serves to assist individuals to maintain themselves in the community by providing access to necessary medications and other services while awaiting activation of their Medicaid benefits.

It is important to note that the population targeted by the Medication Grant Program may be quite different from the group of individuals who potentially qualify for Assisted Outpatient Treatment. While there may be some overlap, the eligibility requirements for individuals under the Medication Grant Program are substantially different from the eligibility criteria for Assisted Outpatient Treatment under Mental Hygiene Law §9.60(c).

Counties interested in participating in the Medication Grant Program must opt in to the program. For an up-to-date list of participating counties along with relevant contact information, click here. For additional information regarding the Medication Grant Program, contact Melissa Wagner at 845-454-8694 or coctmkw@omh.ny.gov.