The New York State Legislature has passed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) that will allow pregnant women in New York to purchase health insurance in order to gain access to critical prenatal care (A.6780/S.5972).

“I fought for this common-sense legislation because it expands access to critical health care services for women. When pregnant women have access to prenatal care it increases the chance of a healthier pregnancy and their children are more likely to be born healthy, reducing the possibility of costly and dangerous complications,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

Under existing New York law, pregnant women are limited by when they can enroll in a health insurance plan, with restrictions based on enrollment periods. Enabling women to secure health insurance ensures they will have access to comprehensive prenatal care that will improve her health and the health of her child, limiting instances of preeclampsia, placental abruption and infant mortality.

“As a neonatologist, I have repeatedly seen firsthand the importance of prenatal care for pregnant women and their children. Increasing the ability of pregnant women to secure health insurance will expand access to prenatal care and help avoid dangerous high-risk pregnancies that threaten the life of a mother and her child,” said Dr. Phillip Pan, MD, of Ellis Medicine, Schenectady.

“New York State is providing a model for the nation in establishing a special enrollment period for pregnancy,” said March of Dimes Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs Cynthia Pellegrini. “The March of Dimes urges every state to follow New York’s lead in ensuring that all pregnant women have access to affordable, quality health insurance.”

Once signed into law, the legislation will take effect in January 2016.