ALBANY, N.Y. — With the $237B state budget being approved on a Saturday, news continues to trickle out of Albany with what exactly legislatures passed.
One provision of the budget eliminates co-pays on insulin for any New Yorker on a state-regulated health insurance plan.
According to Governor Hochul's office, this prohibition on insulin cost-sharing is the most expansive in the country and is expected to save New Yorkers $14M in 2025.
There are 1.8M adults in NY that been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
"We know that an individual’s ability to manage diabetes and prevent life-threatening complications is directly tied to their ability to access the medication they so desperately need," the ADA said in a statement. "One in six Americans report having rationed their insulin due to cost, either taking less than they need or skipping doses. This puts their health and potentially their life at risk.
The ADA also says that people with diabetes face medical expenses that are 2.3x's higher than those without.
Also in the budget are expanded paid prenatal sick leave for state workers, and eliminating cost sharing for certain pregnancy-related expenses like prenatal and postpartum visits.
“No one should ever have to fear seeking care because of the costs it will impose or time missed from work,” Governor Hochul said. “From supporting pregnant moms to reducing insulin costs, we are taking action to ensure New Yorkers can access the care they need.”
To learn more which plans in New York would qualify, use this online tool to find the regulated health insurance plan.