Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Support LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and People Living with HIV/AIDS

 

Legislation S.7974A/A.8970A Renames “Christopher Street-Sheridan Square'' Subway Stop to “Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station”

Legislation S.7809/A.8475 Improves HIV-related Testing Requirements and Timely Diagnosis of HIV

Legislation S.8144C/A.8834B Prohibits Discrimination Against Individuals Prescribed PrEP for HIV Prevention

Legislation S.1001A/A.1619A Prohibits Insurers from Restricting or Delaying Access to Prescription Drugs to Treat or Prevent HIV or AIDS

Legislation S.9842/A.10461 Clarifies that Insurers Cannot Impose Copayments for PrEP or PEP to Prevent HIV and AIDS Infection

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package to support LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and people living with HIV/AIDS. The five new laws will rename the “Christopher Street-Sheridan Square'' subway stop to “Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station”; improve HIV-related testing requirements and timely diagnosis of HIV; prohibit discrimination against individuals prescribed PrEP for HIV prevention; prohibit insurers from restricting or delaying prescription drugs to a person for HIV or AIDS; and clarify that insurers cannot impose copayments for PrEP or PEP to prevent HIV infection.

"New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and has always been a leader in advancing equality and justice for all Americans,” Governor Hochul said. “As elected officials in other states are using their powers to take those rights away, I am proud to sign legislation to uplift LGBTQ+ history and address inequities experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS, further ensuring our State is a safe and affirming place for everyone.”

To uplift the important role that New York State played in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, Governor Hochul signed legislation S.7974A/A.8970A to rename the subway stop at “Christopher Street-Sheridan Square'' as “Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station.” This station’s name will now reflect the history that took place here and the symbol that it currently holds within the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition, Governor Hochul signed a legislative package to support people living with HIV/AIDS.

S.7809/A.8475 amends the current New York State public health law by updating New York’s HIV testing laws to align with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s guidance, which recommends HIV testing as part of routine care. By adopting opt-out HIV testing, with oral or written notice stating that HIV testing is voluntary, and requiring providers to give patients information about the availability of PEP and PrEP, more New Yorkers will know their status and get the treatment they need.

S.8144C/A.8834B prohibits life, accident, and health insurers from discriminating against individuals who were prescribed PrEP medication for HIV prevention. The bill codifies a 2018 circular letter from the New York State Department of Financial Services and further ensures New Yorkers can access HIV prevention medication without fear of stigma or discrimination.

S.1001A/A.1619A prohibits insurers from utilizing prior authorization for covered antiretroviral drugs for the treatment or prevention of HIV or AIDS. This will help to reduce delays and connect New Yorkers more quickly to these life-saving medications.

S.9842/A.10461 clarifies that commercial large group and non-profit health insurers (including HMOs) may not impose copayments for PrEP or PEP to prevent HIV infection, ensuring that patients are not improperly charged.