State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Westchester families struggling with the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs can anticipate relief thanks to State Senate legislation to make prescription drugs and healthcare more affordable, accessible, and equitable for New Yorkers.
The package of seven bills, adopted on May 20 under the leadership of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, includes major reforms, which include authorizing New York to pursue its own drug manufacturing partnerships, expanding prescription coverage for seniors, protecting access to addiction treatment, and requiring more transparency from pharmaceutical companies. These bills address rising costs, expand coverage options, and protect community healthcare services that families across Westchester County rely on every day.
This legislation reflects Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins’ commitment to helping Westchester residents afford their medications, access timely care, and ensure that local hospitals and treatment centers remain open and accountable to the communities they serve.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Families across New York continue to feel the strain of rising healthcare and prescription costs. At a time when federal proposals threaten to slash critical healthcare funding, New York is leading the way to put people first. This legislative package helps lower the cost of essential medications, expands access to care, and protects the services our residents depend on. I’m proud to advance these bills that prioritize the health and financial security of every New Yorker.”
This legislative action is part of Senator Stewart-Cousins’ ongoing work to make New York a place where high-quality, affordable healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Key bills in the package include:
Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act: Authorizes the state to partner directly with drug manufacturers to lower costs and ensure a stable supply of essential medications.
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage: Allows more seniors to qualify for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program, even if they have comparable prescription coverage.
Hospital Closure Notice: Requires public notice and community input before hospitals or vital units like maternity, mental health, or substance use services are shut down.
Increased Addiction Treatment Access: Ensures no one is denied substance-use disorder treatment because of inability to pay and directs the state to establish fair reimbursement for providers.
Pay-for-Delay Disclosure: Shines a light on secretive deals that delay access to more affordable generic drugs by requiring drug companies to report these agreements to the Attorney General.
Child Health Plus Access: Prohibits insurers from forcing healthcare providers to accept multiple insurance products as a condition for participating in Child Health Plus—making it easier for providers to serve children.
Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation: Allows New York to establish a safe prescription drug importation program from other countries to reduce consumer costs.
