DFS to review covered benefits under new law

A new state law focuses on covered benefits related to childbirth offered by all health-insurance providers in New York State.

The measure directs the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) — in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) — to prepare a report with recommendations on their review of those covered benefits.

It was among a series of bills that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Dec. 22 addressing what she said were “several challenges” facing women and people of color. The bills cover labor and health inequalities, from ensuring proper menstrual care is accessible, to promoting more women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

The DFS and DOH review of the covered childbirth benefits will include examination of length of stay, costs incurred by patients and reimbursed to providers, and additional benefits offered, Hochul’s office said. 

This new law will work to uncover “hidden costs and disparities” in rates negotiated by insurers covering the birth and determine if statewide standards need to be adopted. 

The governor also signed a bill that provides menstrual products at no cost to women living in homeless shelters.

The third bill signed into law directs the urban-development corporation to conduct a study regarding the assistance needed by women and minorities to pursue STEM careers. The urban-development corporation will work with the New York Education Department and the New York State Department of Labor to determine the amount of assistance that should be provided in school districts, charter schools, BOCES, and private schools to develop new and enhance current STEM programs in grades 6-12. Those programs will focus on career exploration, opportunities for technical-skills attainment, and partnerships with postsecondary education and training programs.

In a 2010 survey by the Bayer Corporation of female and minority chemists and chemical engineers, 77 percent said “significant” numbers of women and minorities are missing from the U.S. STEM work force because “they were not identified, encouraged or nurtured to pursue STEM studies early on.” 

This new law will help identify the types of assistance necessary to encourage more women and minorities to enter STEM fields, Hochul’s office contends.

“New York must continue to break down barriers for women and fight inequality throughout our state,” Hochul said. “These laws will address a variety of important issues, supporting STEM careers and helping to ensure equity and access in women’s health.”