New York Senate Passes Legislation to Make Prescription Drugs, Healthcare More Affordable and Accessible

New York State Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act: This bill, S.1618, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera, would authorize the NYS Department of Health and its Commissioner to establish partnerships directly with drug manufacturers to help significantly lower the cost of drugs for consumers by helping secure more generic alternatives to prescription medications.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance coverage (EPIC): This bill, S.355A, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera, would allow individuals who have comparable coverage to a Medicare Part D plan to also be eligible for EPIC if they otherwise qualify.

Hospital Closure Notice: This bill, S.1226, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera, requires public notice and public engagement when a general hospital seeks either to close entirely or to close a unit that provides maternity, mental health or substance use care.

Increased Access to Addiction Treatment Centers: This bill, S.4950, sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham, requires OASAS to set a fee schedule for services provided at OASAS treatments and prohibits denial of treatment on the basis of a person's inability to pay.

Disclosure of Pay-for-Delay Agreements: This bill, S.3203, sponsored by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, would require drug manufacturers to report all pay-for-delay agreements to the Attorney General’s Office (AG). The AG’s office would subsequently report to other state and outside entities and post the notice in a searchable database on its website. Brand-name drug manufacturers typically use these types of agreements to delay the entry of lower-cost generic drugs into the market.

Child Health Plus Access: This bill, S.5812, sponsored by Senator Luis Sepulveda, prohibits health plans from requiring providers that accept Child Health Plus coverage to accept all other insurance products offered by that health plan in order to participate in the plan's network.

Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation: This bill, S.371, sponsored by Senator James Skoufis, establishes a wholesale prescription drug importation program in New York State, in accordance with federal law, from countries with consumer safety on par with the U.S. drug supply chain system and where significant consumer cost savings are possible.

Bill Sponsor Senator Pete Harckham said, “Access to treatment for Substance Use Disorders is a critical part of our healthcare system, yet cost remains a barrier for too many New Yorkers. There should be no wrong door when someone seeks help. Ensuring that OASAS services are accessible to all — regardless of ability to pay — is a key step toward that goal. I commend Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her leadership in advancing this and other vital legislation to expand access to lifesaving care.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “Prescription drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them. For too long, pay-for-delay deals have padded profits while patients paid the price. This bill brings those secretive agreements into the light and puts the power back where it belongs — with the public. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in advancing this bill, and I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for making health care affordability a top priority for our conference.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Luis Sepulveda said, “Access to healthcare should never be a privilege; it's a fundamental right. Yet too often, families in the Bronx and across New York face unnecessary roadblocks just to get their children the care they deserve. It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to break down these barriers and make healthcare truly accessible. That’s why I’m proud to support the Healthcare Affordability legislative package. My bill, the Child Health Plus Access Act, tackles a critical issue by eliminating the requirement for healthcare providers to accept all insurance products from a single health plan just to participate in the Child Health Plus network. By cutting through this red tape, we’re making it easier for providers to participate and, ultimately, ensuring more children receive the care they need. This package is about putting families first and making healthcare work for every New Yorker.”

Bill Sponsor Senator James Skoufis said, "New York has some of the highest prescription costs in the country, and with federal cuts to Medicaid looming, I'm gratified to see the passage of legislation that will better insulate taxpayers against price increases. Prescription costs can be particularly painful for those with chronic conditions or long-term illness, and I'm grateful to the Majority Leader and my colleagues in the Senate for passing legislation that will generate substantial consumer savings."

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, “We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the sponsors of these bills for stepping up for all New Yorkers who struggle with rising medical care and prescription drug costs. Older New Yorkers in particular tend to require multiple medications to maintain their health, and far too many of them can’t afford their prescriptions. This package of legislation could make health care and medications much more affordable, especially for those living on a fixed income.”

LMSW, CRPA - P, President & CEO Jihoon Kim said, “On behalf of nearly 200 community-based organizations providing substance use disorder and mental health services across New York State, InUnity Alliance strongly supports efforts to remove cost as a barrier to seeking these essential services. Timely access to care dramatically improves the likelihood of recovery, reduces hospitalizations and long-term healthcare costs, and prevents deaths from overdose and suicide. No one should be denied life-saving treatment due to the inability to pay. This package of bills, including S.4950 (Harckham), takes an important step toward ensuring equitable access to care by protecting individuals from unnecessary financial barriers. We applaud Senator Harckham and the Senate for prioritizing access to substance use disorder and mental health services in this healthcare affordability package.”