The state's health care program for low-income people would include a reimbursement for violence prevention programs under a measure proposed Tuesday by state Sen. Brad Hoylman. 

The bill Hoylman introduced would use hospital and community-based violence prevention programs, calling them "proven tools" to end retaliatory cycles of violence and a spike in shootings and violent crimes. 

The measure would allow any person enrolled as a Medicaid beneficiary who has been involved in or injured by violence in the community and has been referred by a health care provider would be eligible. 

“Violence is a public health issue that New York State must help address," Hoylman said. "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."

Hoylman pointed to anti-violence programs found in 19 states that can provide injured people who are at risk of retaliation or another violent injury with qualified professionals. At the same time, a University of Maryland Medical Center study found 45% of people who are admitted to the hospital with a volient injury or more likely to be re-admitted within five years. 

"Community violence is a pressing public health emergency. We commend Senator Hoylman for recognizing the importance of tapping into federal Medicaid dollars to support the lifesaving services of frontline violence intervention and prevention professionals," said Paul Carrillo, the community violence initiative director at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. "With this legislation, New York joins a growing number of states that are leveraging Medicaid to disrupt cycles of violence in our most impacted communities."