New York Changes Health Insurance Rules for Women

Pregnant women in New York can enroll in health insurance policies at any time without penalty under a new law.

The change is a result of S.201/A2656, which bans commercial health organizations from charging extra fees for special enrollment due to pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins will also be a required piece of health insurance coverage under the new law as long as a health care provider prescribes them.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the bill’s signing Wednesday in an attempt to expand women’s health care during and after pregnancy. The state already had the first paid prenatal care leave policy, which is effective January 1.

“We’ve taken another significant step towards ensuring that every expectant mother in our state has access to healthcare without barriers or delays,” Hochul said in a statement. “This legislation underscores the commitment to making New York a leader in maternal health care and providing families with the support they deserve.”

Under the new law, the state hopes to improve maternal health by ensuring access to health insurance without penalty.

“Removing barriers to enrollment, empower women to prioritize their health and well-being during this crucial time, essential for positive pregnancy outcomes,” state Senator Cordell Cleare said in a statement. “I am thrilled that the Senate and Assembly unanimously approved this legislation, and that the governor is signing it into law.”

Mortality rates for pregnant mothers typically increase when pregnant women face barriers to health care coverage.

The United States had the highest maternal mortality rate among 11 developed countries in 2020, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. And recent data revealed the number of pregnant women dying is increasing in America. The maternal mortality rate in 2020 was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, an increase from the 2019 number of 20.1 deaths.

“The signing of this bill is important to me as a mother and sends a clear message to all New Yorkers that the state is committed to combating increasing mortality rates in America, especially among Black women,” Assemblymember Latrice M. Walker said in a statement. “Thank you to my colleagues and to Gov. Kathy Hochul for their leadership in the effort to improve maternal outcomes in New York State. Pregnancy is a time for joy and optimism, not for anxiety over access to healthcare.”

The state previously eliminated out-of-pocket costs for certain pregnancy-related benefits for New Yorkers on the essential plan or qualified health plans and has also expanded access to doula services under Hochul.

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, said maternal health care is one of the few areas of health care that has increasing bipartisan support.

“We often focus on the costs of a child after birth in terms of raising them, but we don’t hear the same consideration usually being given for the numerous medical bills that can come before they arrive,” Beene told Newsweek.

“Including these protections for women to receive care and not be limited due to the pregnancy status will undoubtedly help to financially cover both standard procedures and any issues that arise during the months leading up to birth.”

Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, said more states should adopt similar provisions allowing women to obtain health coverage without incurring additional costs.

“While this sentiment may not be widely popular, prioritizing ‘people over profits’ can yield significant economic benefits,” Thompson told Newsweek. “Ensuring that all women have access to necessary health care can lead to healthier families and communities, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”