Medicaid would reimburse violence prevention programs in New York under a proposal advanced Tuesday in the state Senate. 

The bill was approved in the final days of the legislative session and nearly a month after the budget, which also increased reimbursement rates for hospitals and nursing homes, was approved. 

Under the proposal, a Medicaid beneficiary who has been involved in or injured by community violence and has received a health care referral would be eligible. 

California, Connecticut and Illinois have been granted similar approval to use Medicaid for violence prevention programs. 

“In our hospitals, there’s a revolving door of gun violence injury that disproportionately hurts young people of color," said state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "With our bill, hospitals in partnership with community violence prevention programs will receive federal support to not only treat their patients’ immediate injuries, but also help prevent their future physical and mental harm. Just like other forms of healthcare, victims of violence deserve follow-up care and intervention."

The measure is yet to be approved in the state Assembly. 

"Gun violence is a state-wide health epidemic and it requires swift and effective health solutions," Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said. "The White House has recognized this and recommends the billing of Medicaid for community violence intervention programs."

The hope is the measure would result in a reduction in violent injuries in the future. Supporters pointed to a reduction in violence after hospital-based violence intervention programs were introduced.