Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon of New York’s 119th Assembly District has announced a series of new legislative measures aimed at improving healthcare access and supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. These laws will take effect between January 1 and January 20, 2024, and focus on critical areas such as cardiac emergency response, cancer screenings, and financial relief for servicemembers.
One of the standout initiatives is the establishment of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans for all schools. This new regulation mandates that schools integrate comprehensive plans into their existing safety protocols. The aim is to ensure that students, staff, and visitors are well-prepared for sudden cardiac emergencies, which can occur during school hours or at school-sponsored events. Buttenschon emphasized the importance of timely response, stating, “When a child, teacher, or community member suffers a cardiac arrest on school grounds, time is truly the difference between life and death.”
Another significant measure is the requirement for commercial health insurance to cover the costs of breast cancer screenings, including diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds. This legislation, which received bipartisan support, aims to eliminate financial barriers for women seeking these essential health services. “Today, one’s ability to pay will no longer stand in the way of their access to comprehensive and preventative care for breast cancer,” Buttenschon remarked.
Additionally, a new law mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling devices used during chemotherapy treatments. This legislation addresses the distress caused by hair loss, a common side effect of cancer treatment. “For many cancer patients, hair loss is not just a side effect; it’s a daily, visible reminder of their illness,” Buttenschon noted. By providing coverage for these devices, the law aims to help patients maintain their dignity and self-esteem during treatment.
In a move to make life-saving medications more affordable, the new legislation caps out-of-pocket costs for EpiPens at $100 per year. The rising costs of these auto-injectors, which can range from $350 to over $700, have forced many individuals to choose between purchasing essential medications and meeting other financial obligations. “No person should have to choose between their physical and financial well-being because of the cost of care,” the Assemblywoman stated.
The legislation also introduces property tax exemptions for active-duty servicemembers stationed in New York who have served in combat zones. Currently, these individuals do not qualify for the same tax benefits as veterans. “This bill provides another avenue of support and relief to those brave men and women willing to sacrifice all in our protection,” Buttenschon explained.
New York will also be designated as a Purple Heart State, a formal recognition of the sacrifices made by wounded veterans. This designation embodies the state’s gratitude towards military personnel who have faced injury or loss in service to the country. “This recognition speaks to the heart of who we are as New Yorkers and as a nation,” Buttenschon added.
Lastly, the new laws include provisions for providing property tax exemptions to the surviving spouses of fallen law enforcement officers. This initiative aims to offer support and financial relief to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. “This bill is about fairness and compassion,” Buttenschon remarked, highlighting the importance of standing by these families during their most challenging times.
Assemblywoman Buttenschon represents the cities of Utica and Rome along with surrounding towns in Oneida County. Her office is committed to addressing the needs of her constituents and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. For more information, her office can be contacted at Room 401, State Office Building, 207 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501, phone (315) 732-1055, or via email at [email protected].
