Bill > S07985

This bill establishes a new gender affirming care program within the New York State Department of Health designed to ensure continuous access to gender-related medical services. The bill defines "gender affirming care" as a comprehensive range of social, psychological, behavioral, medical, and surgical interventions—including hormonal treatments and prescription drugs—that support an individual's gender identity when it differs from their sex assigned at birth, with a specific exclusion for surgical interventions on minors that are not initiated by the patient. The program will identify and provide funding and resources to healthcare providers who meet specific program requirements, facilitating access to gender affirming care services. The Department of Health is required to develop program regulations in consultation with experts in the field, ensuring that the program meets the needs of both providers and patients. Funding for the program will be appropriated by the legislature and must, at minimum, match pre-April 2025 funding levels for similar services, with annual increases tied to the consumer price index. The department can also use a portion of these funds for program administration. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7985