N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 8.184

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024

Section 8.184 - Executive Order No. 184: Protecting Women's Access to Contraception

WHEREAS, since the first women"TMs rights convention in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York has been a leader in advancing women"TMs equality;

WHEREAS, providing access for each woman to the full range of reproductive healthcare services she needs, including the contraception services that are best for her, reduces unintended pregnancy and is crucial to ensuring gender equality;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of New York State that all people have the right to decide if, when and how to build their families;

WHEREAS, in the face of federal threats to reproductive rights in 2017, New York took aggressive action by issuing regulations to expand and protect insurance coverage for contraception and medically necessary abortion services;

WHEREAS, with the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy from the United States Supreme Court and the growth of attacks by the federal government on access to comprehensive reproductive health, it is more critical than ever to protect access to reproductive rights; and

WHEREAS, New York is committed to not only protecting, but expanding full, affordable, and timely access to contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives regardless of federal actions.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDREW M. CUOMO, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:

I. Definitions:

a. As used herein, "state agencies" shall mean all agencies and departments over which the Governor has Executive Authority.

II. The Superintendent of Financial Services and the Commissioner of Health shall issue rules and regulations for notice and comment, consistent with the requirements of the New York State Administrative Procedure Act, to ensure that women in New York who are insured through individual, small group, and large group comprehensive health insurance policies as well as Medicaid receive insurance coverage without cost-sharing for contraceptive services.

III. All state agencies shall cooperate with and provide assistance to the Superintendent of Financial Services and the Commissioner of Health as necessary for the development and implementation of the rules and regulations issued pursuant to Article II of this Order.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 8.184