Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 8801: Permits local health officials to request copies of certain reports and records

This bill (S 8801) allows local health officials to request autopsy and toxicology reports related to deaths for public health purposes. It directly affects local health officials and coroners/medical examiners, who must provide these records within strict timeframes: 3 business days for deaths within the official's district, or up to 7 days for out-of-district requests involving residents. The bill specifies that requests are valid when a death occurs within the district or when a resident had a related injury, treatment, or was found deceased in the district. Officials must maintain logs for out-of-district requests and provide written requests to the relevant health official within 3 business days. The policy change streamlines access to death-related data for public health monitoring without altering death certification processes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables public health data access for officials, strengthening disease surveillance and response efforts through mandated report sharing for public health purposes.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · New York · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 8544: Excludes certain medication abortion drugs from being deemed unlawful to prescribe or dispense and from being deemed misbranded under certain circumstances

Provides that the prescribing, dispensing, or receipt of mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be considered a criminal conversion act under certain circumstances; provides that mifepristone or any drug used for medication abortion shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes legal barriers to prescribing medication abortion drugs, enhancing patient access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 8866: Establishes "The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act"; relates to the definition of infertility and health insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility

Establishes "The Equity in Fertility Treatment Act"; relates to the definition of infertility and health insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates health insurance coverage for infertility treatment, expanding patient access to reproductive healthcare services per its title and summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 8656: Relates to the dispensing of certain prescriptions

Provides that mifepristone or misoprostol may be dispensed without the name and address of the dispenser and patient included on the prescription label.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes patient/dispenser info requirement on prescriptions for mifepristone/misoprostol, enhancing privacy and access to reproductive healthcare services.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 8257: Directs the department of health to establish an alternative payment methodology (APM) for Federally Qualified Health Centers to preserve and improve patient access to fertility care

Directs the department of health to establish an alternative payment methodology (APM) for federally qualified health centers to preserve and improve patient access to fertility care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes APM for FQHCs to improve fertility care access, directly advancing patient access to reproductive health services per bill language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 2058: Requires each institution within the state university of New York and the city university of New York to have at least one vending machine making emergency contraception available for purchase

Requires each institution within the state university of New York and the city university of New York offering in-person student instruction to have at least one vending machine making emergency contraception available for purchase.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates campus access to emergency contraception, improving reproductive healthcare access for students95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 135: Provides practical support for access to abortion care

Provides practical support for access to abortion care including, but not limited to, reimbursement for ground and air transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, and doula support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for reimbursement of abortion care expenses, directly funding essential services through government spending.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill reimburses transportation, lodging, and childcare for abortion care access, directly improving patient access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 4497: Requires certain insurance policies to provide coverage for fertility preservation services

S 4497 requires certain health insurance policies to cover fertility preservation services, such as egg or sperm freezing, for individuals facing medical treatments that may cause infertility (like cancer therapy). This directly affects patients undergoing procedures with known fertility risks and the insurance companies offering those plans. The bill mandates coverage for these services before treatment begins, ensuring individuals can preserve fertility options without excessive out-of-pocket costs. It applies to standard health insurance policies, not just specialized plans, aiming to make these services accessible during critical medical care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for fertility preservation, expanding patient access to essential healthcare services before fertility-risk treatments like cancer therapy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 3155: Relates to insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization

This bill (S 3155) requires health insurers to provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage without discrimination. It prohibits insurers from denying or limiting IVF coverage based on factors like age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or perceived quality of life. The bill specifically bans insurers from requiring all embryos from a previous IVF cycle to be transferred before covering a subsequent cycle for women aged 35 or older. These changes directly affect individuals seeking IVF treatment by expanding access and preventing discriminatory practices in insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates IVF insurance coverage without discrimination, expanding access to reproductive healthcare services and protecting patient rights per bill requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 1703: Authorizes pharmacists to administer injections for contraceptive use

This bill allows New York pharmacists to administer FDA-approved progestin-only contraceptive injections, expanding access to this specific form of birth control. It requires pharmacists to complete training, provide patient screening questionnaires and fact sheets about clinical considerations, and notify a patient's primary care provider (unless the patient opts out). The policy directly affects patients seeking contraception and pharmacists who will administer the injections. Key safety mechanisms include mandatory screenings, provider notifications, and pharmacist discretion to refuse service if health risks are identified.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to contraceptive services via pharmacists, directly improving patient access to healthcare without restrictions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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