BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a package of legislation aimed at protecting public health across New York State.
It consists of six new laws, one of which will ensure that state-regulated health plans, including Medicaid, cover biomarker testing.
In November, 7 News spoke with a group of cancer survivors and doctors from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center who were calling on Hochul to sign the bill.
READ MORE: 'It's saving lives': Doctors and cancer survivors urge Hochul to pass biomarker testing legislation
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released a statement on Hochul's signing of the bill that said in part:
“ACS CAN is proud to see New York, a longstanding leader in health equity and medical innovation, join thirteen other states that have recently enacted similar legislation. This action ensures that New York will continue to pave the way in the fight against cancer and improve access to the most effective treatments, giving patients a better chance of living longer, healthier lives.”
- Lisa Lacasse, President of ACS CAN
According to the governor's office, the other five laws will:
- Help address staffing shortages in nursing homes and other residential health care facilities
- Provide administrative relief to certain local health departments for services they provide in a patient’s home
- Re-establish the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Assistance Program to reimburse adults with cystic fibrosis for their health care or health insurance costs
- Authorize life insurers to establish wellness programs to prohibit insurers from reducing long-term disability insurance benefits
- Improve the reporting and resolution of issues at residential care facilities
“Every New Yorker deserves to lead a safe, healthy life. From expanding access to breast cancer testing to addressing staffing shortages in nursing homes, this legislative package addresses many of the critical issues facing our public health system today."
- Gov. Hochul
