A legislative package that she says will strengthen health care in New York State was signed by Governor Kathy Hohcul on Friday.
Legislation S.1839A/A.2609A requires the Health Equity Council to advise the Department of Health Commissioner on Sickle Cell Disease and create recommendations to promote the screening and detection of Sickle Cell, which is the most commonly inherited blood disorder, and which disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic people. The legislation will require the establishment of a statewide public education and outreach campaign to publicize evidence-based Sickle Cell Disease screening, detection and education services.
Legislation S.1451/A.782 expands upon a collaborative program to include programs that will address disparities in healthcare access and treatment, or address conditions with a higher prevalence in defined populations across New York State. Some of these conditions include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, asthma, sickle cell disease, sepsis, lupus, various types of cancer and substance abuse.
Legislation S.3609B/A.3113A enhances the scope of health equity impact assessments to require the consideration of reproductive health services and maternal health care. Health equity impact assessments are required when a hospital submits an application for approval to change, merge, or close its services or facilities, and assesses how the proposed action will have an impact on consumers in the hospital’s service area.
Legislation S.4097B/A.5817A directs the President of the Civil Service Commission to organize the collection of health care claims data that relates to the price and utilization of hospital benefits by active employees, retired employees, and their dependents in order to publish a New York State benefit hospital pricing report. The New York State benefit hospital pricing report will help to increase transparency and showcase healthcare expenses, trends, and variables that influence healthcare spending and hospital costs.
“As Governor, I’m committed to ensuring every New Yorker has access to high-quality, affordable health care,” Governor Hochul said. “With this legislative package, we’re taking a major step forward in addressing health care disparities in our state and ensuring all New Yorkers can find the care that they need and deserve.”
