Governor Signs Legislation to Expand Health Care Access and Support Maternal Health

Legislation S.201/A.2656 Permits Pregnant Women to Enroll in Health Insurance Policies Without Penalty

Legislation S.1965-A/A.3865-A Requires Certain Health Insurers to Provide Coverage for Prenatal Vitamins

Legislation S.6674-A/A.7790-A Expands Insurance Coverage Requirements For Human Donor Milk

New York Leads the Nation with First Paid Prenatal Care Leave Policy, Effective January 1st 

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to expand coverage for women’s health during and after pregnancy. This bill signing builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting maternal health, including securing first-in-the-nation paid prenatal leave, expanding access to doula services, and making prenatal care more affordable for New Yorkers.

"We've taken another significant step towards ensuring that every expectant mother in our state has access to healthcare without barriers or delays,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation underscores the commitment to making New York a leader in maternal health care and providing families with the support they deserve.”

Legislation S.201/A2656 permits pregnant women to enroll in health insurance policies at any time without penalty. The legislation prohibits commercial health maintenance organizations from charging fees for special enrollment due to pregnancy.

Governor Hochul signed this legislation building on the state’s commitment to maternal health care. New York is now the first state in the nation to create a paid family leave program for prenatal care. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership New York has also made prenatal care more affordable for over a million low-income residents by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for certain pregnancy-related benefits for New Yorkers on the Essential Plan or Qualified Health Plans. Governor Hochul also directed State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to issue a standing order which will expand access to much-needed doula services for birthing parents across the state. The standing order was issued on June 10, 2024.