(ALBANY, NY Jan. 17, 2012) Family Planning Advocates of NYS today celebrated Gov. Cuomo’s inclusion of Health Benefit Exchange-enacting legislation in his 2012-13 Executive Budget.

“Once again, Gov. Cuomo has prioritized access to health care for the women and families of New York State,” said FPA President and CEO M. Tracey Brooks. “By making the establishment of a Health Benefit Exchange a component of his newly released budget bill, Gov. Cuomo has made a commitment to ensuring this legislation becomes law this session.”

A requirement of the Affordable Care Act, the Health Benefit Exchange will serve as a centralized system that eligible individuals, families and small businesses can use to access affordable commercial and public health insurance programs that meet their needs. This legislation is needed to secure additional and significant federal grant monies necessary for the state to accomplish the monumental task of building an Exchange.

“While health care reform is the impetus for building an Exchange in New York State, the benefits of streamlining access to health insurance stand on their own merit,” said Brooks. “Passage of this important legislation will provide access to health insurance for many people in New York who are uninsured, save money for individuals, and cut costs for small businesses.

FPA is also pleased that the Governor’s budget maintains funding for essential health care for low-income women and families, including access to family planning care.  “While some states are slashing family planning funding, denying access to life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, and prevention and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, Gov. Cuomo’s support of these essential services is clearly evident in his Executive Budget,” said Brooks.

Family Planning Advocates of New York State is a non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to protecting and expanding access to a full range of reproductive health care services. FPA represents New York’s Planned Parenthood affiliates and other family planning centers, as well as hundreds of organizations and thousands of individual members.