Andrew Cuomo signs new law making pregnancy a ‘qualifying event’ for insurance
Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks in Brooklyn on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015. Credit: Craig Ruttle
ALBANY — New York’s newest law will allow women to enroll in state health insurance exchanges at any time during the pregnancy to improve care for women and children.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday signed the law passed by the legislature earlier this year. The law makes pregnancy a “qualifying event” to be able to obtain health insurance in New York under the federal Obamacare system. Previously, women would have to wait until the birth of a child to be able to secure health insurance under the system.
Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) called her bill common-sense legislation and thanked co-sponsoring Republicans, including Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City).
Qualifying events have been restricted to situations such as moving to another address, the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce of death of a spouse.
“This legislation will help expectant mothers get access to essential prenatal care and help build a stronger and healthier New York,” Cuomo said.
Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.
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