David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential the cost to counties for coroner and medical examiner services is expected to rise 7.7 percent, to $121 million, this year statewide. And the New York State Association of Counties had requested the state reimburse counties for 50 percent of those autopsy costs. The association is asking that the funding be included in the upcoming state budget. Prior to a 2011 change in the law, counties were able to get up to 36 percent of their coroner and medical examiner costs reimbursed. “This is a quintessential state mandate. Counties across the state are responsible for administering a coroner or medical examiner program. These costs used to be eligible for partial state reimbursement, but that funding has since gone away, leaving counties to make up the difference,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario in a statement. According to the association, the opioid epidemic has contributed to the increased costs because autopsy services are required anytime there is a death from a suspected overdose. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.