Forensic Rape Examination (FRE) Direct Reimbursement Program | Office of Victim Services

Forensic Rape Examination (FRE) Direct Reimbursement Program | Office of Victim Services
Forensic Rape Exam Direct Reimbursement Program
OVS can directly reimburse medical providers for forensic rape exams when sexual assault survivors do not have private health insurance or choose not to use their insurance.
Billing Guidance
OVS laws governing reimbursement for FRE services have recently changed. FRE claims received by the agency on or after February 3, 2026 will be paid according to the
OVS fee schedule
for services rendered and the
NYS Department of Health Formulary File
for pharmaceuticals. Providers should review the
Provider Billing Manual
for more information about billing and reimbursement.
What is a forensic rape exam?
The Office of Victim Services directly reimburses medical providers for forensic rape examinations (FREs) if victims of sexual assault do not have access to private health insurance or chose not to use their private health care insurance for the examination. This measure is an exception to the agency’s payer of last resort rule and provides for the personal privacy of victims.
An exam may also include collection and preservation of evidence in a
Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit (SOECK)
, which can assist law enforcement if an individual decides to report the crime. Reporting to police is not mandatory, however, and should never prevent someone from seeking medical care.
Questions and Support
If you have billing questions or require technical assistance, please reach out to the FRE Unit by email at
[email protected]
or via phone by calling 800-247-8035.
FRE Program Documents
FRE Direct Reimbursement Program Documents
FRE Provider Billing Manual
Forensic Rape Exam Direct Reimbursement Program Provider Billing Guidance Manual
FRE Claim Application for Medical Providers
New York State Office Of Victim Services Medical Provider Forensic Rape Examination Direct Reimbursement Claim Form.
FRE Billing Form
Forensic Rape Exam Direct Reimbursement Billing Form. This form should be used in place of institution-specific itemized billing records. Claims submitted on or after January 1, 2024 must utilize this billing form.
NYSOVS FRE Direct Reimbursement 2026 Fee Schedule
NYS OVS Forensic Rape Exam Direct Reimbursement Fee Schedule for services rendered. These rates are effective for FRE claims received by OVS on or after February 3, 2026.
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