NEW YORK (PIX11) – Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a new proposal on Tuesday aimed at increasing access to health care coverage for popular weight loss medications.
The proposal is part of a broader health care initiative that also includes providing coverage for air conditioning units for pregnant women and individuals with chronic health conditions, as well as ensuring better access to ambulance services.
Hochul emphasized the importance of investing in health care during the state’s post-pandemic recovery. “This year, our health proposals will put more money back in the pockets of New Yorkers and ensure they have access to affordable, high-quality care,” she said during her 2025 State of the State address.
Health Care Access for Obesity Medications
The new weight loss drug proposal is designed to help patients struggling with obesity, particularly those who cannot afford GLP-1 injections like Wegovy and Ozempic. Currently, one in three adults in New York State is affected by obesity, according to the Department of Health.
To lower the cost of these medications, New York State plans to collaborate with other states and push drug companies for price reductions.
Improving Access to Dental Care
Hochul also addressed the challenges many New Yorkers face in accessing dental care. Due to the lack of minimum coverage standards in dental plans, about 260,000 New Yorkers struggle with varying benefits and high costs.
To address this, Hochul proposed setting minimum standards for dental plans sold through the Marketplace. Additionally, New York plans to introduce a Standard Adult Dental Plan in 2026, which will require standalone dental plans to meet these new standards, making dental care more accessible and easier to navigate for consumers.
