Governor Signs Hannon Bill to Promote Access & Coverage for Women's Health Care Services

Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau) announces his legislation to educate the public on women’s health initiatives was signed into law (Chapter 342) by the Governor.  The new law requires the NYS Department of Health to establish an up-to-date website devoted solely to women’s health, including information on the 22 preventive services now covered with no cost to patients under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).

“Under the new federal law, preventative services such as cervical cancer screenings, breast cancer mammography screening for women over 40, anemia screening for pregnant women, screening for certain sexually transmitted diseases, domestic violence screening, osteoporosis screening for women over 65 and well-woman visits must be covered with no cost sharing,” said Hannon.  “Similar to the federal women’s health website, the establishment of a state site under this law will help increase awareness of changes in coverage and access to services by providing one simple, easy to navigate, resource devoted solely to women’s health.”

One of the main objectives of the ACA was to ensure individuals have access to preventative health services, which will cut down on costs by reducing emergency visits and long term health care expenditures.  In order for women to take advantage of the expanded coverage and seek preventative services, they need to be informed. 

“Women need to understand how these changes affect them on a personal level,” said Hannon.  “The new law will put in one convenient place all health resources for the women of this state.  It provides information sharing and encourages women to be proactive and seek preventative services, thereby enhancing their health and well-being.”

The new law also encourages the Department of Health to use social media as a means of distributing information to raise awareness of women’s health programs, services and initiatives.

“With more and more people turning to the Internet as their primary source of information on health care, the new women’s health website will provide accurate, up-to-date information, raise awareness of newly-covered services, provide links to useful resources, and encourage women to receive preventative services and screenings,” said Hannon.  “If women are aware that their insurance policy covers mammography or cervical cancer screenings at no cost to them, it will increase the likelihood they take advantage of these services.”