Senator Sutton’s Bill Expanding Fertility Treatment Access for New Yorkers Passes State Senate

(Albany, NY) --- The New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation (S.8257) sponsored by Senator Sam Sutton (D-Brooklyn) aimed at improving access to fertility treatments for individuals and families on Medicaid. Senator Sutton has hit the ground running, getting this important bill passed less than a week after being sworn into office. The bill will allow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to access injectable fertility medication at lower costs, enabling them to provide a wider range of effective fertility services and medications that are often out of reach for low-income New Yorkers.

Fertility treatments that use injectable medications are typically more effective than oral medications. Sadly, injectable fertility medications are not covered by Medicaid, creating a significant barrier for those who wish to start a family. This legislation addresses this inequity by providing FQHCs with a dedicated funding stream to offset the costs of these crucial injectable fertility treatments. This will allow these vital community health centers to offer the full spectrum of fertility care to their patients enrolled in Medicaid, mirroring the coverage available to those with commercial insurance.

“I am pleased to see this important legislation pass in the State Senate and I thank my colleagues for their support,” said Senator Sutton. “The decision to build a family is a basic human right. I've seen too many members of our community face the heartbreak of being unable to afford the fertility treatments they need. This bill is about fairness and about ensuring that every New Yorker has the opportunity to experience the joy of parenthood.”