SENATOR MARTY GOLDEN ANNOUNCES NEW STATE LAWS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH SET TO TAKE EFFECT IN JANUARY

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today is announcing numerous pieces of legislation he supported this session set to become New York State law in January designed to improve public health. Senator Golden is highlighting the State’s continued effort to tackle the heroin and opioid addiction crisis, improve women’s health, provide better insurance protections for children, and encourage organ donations.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “I am proud to have supported important pieces of legislation this session that will become law next week that will surely benefit the public health of New Yorkers. This year, we have worked to improve opportunities available to care for our citizens at many levels, and our families are better for these efforts.”

“At so many levels, for substance abusers seeking help, for New York’s newborn children, for those in need of a transplant, and for those who need to get tested, we have made a positive impact.  I am confident that these new laws collectively will save many lives,” continued Senator Golden.

Addressing Heroin and Opioid Addiction:
*S. 8139 (Chapter 74) will end the need for prior insurance authorization for immediate access to inpatient treatment services.
*S. 8137 (Chapter 69) will require insurance coverage, without prior authorization, to allow for an emergency five-day supply of medication for treating a substance use disorder when emergency conditions exist. This legislation will also expand access to Naloxone by requiring insurance coverage for the overdose reversal medication, whether it is prescribed to a person who is addicted to opioids, or their family member covered under the same insurance plan.

Access to Breast Cancer Screenings:
*S. 8903 (Chapter 74) to take effect in January further encourages access to regular screenings and early detection, by allowing New York City public employees to take up to four hours of excused leave for a breast cancer screening.

Children’s Health Insurance Coverage:
S. 6241A (Chapter 72) to take effect in January a new law that updates the state’s Public Health Law to ensure newborns are covered retroactively under the Child Health Plus program. Currently, Newborns are not eligible for the CHP program for up to 30 days after enrollment. This law will allow newborns to be covered from their day of birth.

Encouraging Organ Donations:
S. 6952A (Chapter 40) to take effect on January 1^st, will offer all applicants for health insurance offered through the State health benefit exchange an opportunity during the application process to register for the Donate Life Registry for organ, eye, and tissue donations.

Senator Marty Golden is a member of the Senate Health Committee.