Queens, NY (December 4, 2025): NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced that his bill, S.2000-A, establishing comprehensive coverage for lung cancer screenings, has been officially signed into law by Governor Hochul. The enactment of this legislation marks a significant step forward in improving early detection, expanding access to life-saving screenings, and strengthening New York’s public health response to one of the state’s deadliest forms of cancer.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in New York and nationwide. While death rates have been decreasing since the mid-1990s, the decline among women has been notably slower. Because early-stage lung cancer often presents no symptoms, individuals frequently go undiagnosed until the disease has progressed to more difficult-to-treat stages. Ensuring coverage for recommended screenings will help address this disparity by increasing early detection opportunities, an essential factor in improving survival rates.

Senator Addabbo emphasized that the law will remove financial barriers that have long prevented many New Yorkers from accessing timely screenings, follow-up testing, and treatment.

“Today, New York takes a major step toward saving lives, reducing disparities, and empowering residents to take control of their health,” said Senator Addabbo. “By signing S.2000-A into law, we have strengthened our state’s commitment to early detection, one of the most powerful tools we have against lung cancer. No one should ever have to choose between their financial security and their health. This new law ensures they won’t have to,” Addabbo concluded.

Smoking continues to account for the vast majority of lung cancer cases, and many communities, particularly in New York City, continue to experience elevated smoking rates and related chronic conditions. Addabbo noted that while prevention remains essential, accessible and affordable screening is equally critical in reducing mortality.

“November was Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as we look ahead to the new year, this law gives renewed hope to families across our state,” Addabbo added. “I am grateful for the bipartisan support that helped advance this bill and for the Governor’s action. Together, we are moving closer to a future where lung cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and far less devastating for New York families.”

The new law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the effective date.