Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation aimed at making medical care for lung cancer more affordable and accessible in New York. The law, identified as S2000A/A1195A, mandates that health insurance policies must cover follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer without imposing cost-sharing on patients. This move is part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare affordability in the state, which also includes measures such as banning co-pays for medications like insulin and inhalers.
“Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the nation, and the last thing a patient should have to worry about is out-of-pocket costs for critical follow-up screenings,” Governor Hochul said. “Signing this legislation means that thousands of New Yorkers can focus on what is truly important: their health and well-being. With this law, New York is making clear that no one should face financial barriers to getting the care they need.”
Lung cancer remains a significant public health concern in New York State. Each year, approximately 13,900 residents are diagnosed with lung cancer and about 7,400 die from it.
New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow commented on the change: “By removing out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings, Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature have improved the chances that this form of cancer will be detected and treated as early as possible.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added: “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast leadership and commitment to expanding access to affordable, life-saving medical services for New Yorkers. This legislation is a meaningful step forward in protecting the health of New Yorkers. Early detection saves lives, and removing financial barriers to follow-up lung cancer screenings ensures that more patients can get the critical care they need without delay.”
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., who introduced the bill in the Senate, stated: “Today, New York takes an important step toward saving lives and empowering residents to take control of their health. By Governor Hochul signing this bill, that I am thankful to have introduced in the Senate, we strengthen our commitment to early detection, one of the most effective tools we have against lung cancer, while also ensuring no one is forced to choose between their financial security and their well-being. In addition to prevention, accessible and affordable screening is equally critical to reducing mortality. I am grateful for the bipartisan support behind this bill and for the Governor’s action. Together, we move closer to a future where lung cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and far less devastating for New York families.”
Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes said: “Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York State. Providing coverage for follow-ups or diagnostic services will save lives and I applaud the Assembly, the Senate, and Governor Hochul for getting this legislation passed and signed.”
Michael Davoli from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) highlighted: “By signing this bill, Governor Hochul has taken a historic step toward saving lives from lung cancer. For too long, cost barriers have kept high-risk New Yorkers from getting fully screened, and the consequences have been deadly. This law changes that reality. Governor Hochul and the Legislature have delivered a policy that will enable more New Yorkers to detect their cancer early ensuring they have a fighting chance.”
Michael Seilback from American Lung Association noted: “Lung cancer screening saves lives. The American Lung Association applauds Governor Hochul Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes And Senator Addabbo For Their Leadership In Helping Remove A Financial Barrier That Could Prevent Someone Facing Lung Cancer From Accessing The Life-Saving Care They Need By Eliminating This Obstacle The Bill Will Help Ensure More People Become Lung Cancer Survivors And Bring Us Closer To Defeating This Disease”
Mary Reid from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center commented: “Governor Kathy Hochul has been an incredible advocate for the health and wellness of all New Yorkers And A Champion For Early Detection Of Cancer To Save The Most Lives Lung Cancer Remains Our Biggest Cancer Killer Statewide And Worldwide But Thanks To The Thoughtful Leadership Of Governor Hochul And Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes We Can Overcome Barriers That Have Kept Vulnerable Community Members From Accessing Effective Safe Noninvasive Life-Saving Lung Cancer Screening”
The new law follows other recent efforts by state officials intended to make healthcare more affordable by eliminating cost-sharing requirements on certain medications such as insulin through provisions included in recent budgets or new laws focused on asthma medication access.
