Assemblywoman Buttenschon Expresses Disappointment Following Governor Hochul’s Vetoes of Three Bipartisan Health-Related Bills
Albany, NY — Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) today expressed deep disappointment following Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto three widely supported health-related bills that she proudly co-sponsored, legislation that would have directly improved access to essential care and services for countless New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable.
“These bills weren’t just policy, they were promises to families, caregivers, and individuals across our state who rely on us to fight for fairness, accessibility, and compassion in our healthcare system,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “While I respect the difficult decisions that come before the Governor, I stand by the intent and urgency of each of these proposals and remain committed to revisiting these issues with renewed determination.”
The Governor vetoed the following bills on October 16, 2025:
A.7011-A – Donate Life Tax Form Organ Donor Enrollment
Purpose: This bill sought to allow New Yorkers to opt into the state’s organ donor registry through their mandatory electronic tax filings, a simple, cost-free way to expand awareness and life-saving opportunities.
Impact: With over 9,000 New Yorkers waiting for an organ transplant, expanding access points to register as donors is critical. The proposal built upon the existing success of DMV and healthcare enrollment options.
Buttenschon’s Response: “This bill was about saving lives and making organ donor registration part of our everyday civic duty. We were making compassion a habit. I’m encouraged by the unanimous support this bill received in both chambers, and I will continue to work with advocates to ensure this mission moves forward.”
A.7321-A – Insurance Coverage for Speech Therapy for Stuttering
Purpose: This legislation would have required insurers to cover speech therapy for individuals who stutter, a medically recognized condition that can severely impact communication, employment, and mental health.
Impact: Currently, many New Yorkers pay out-of-pocket or go without treatment altogether. This bill would have ensured coverage parity and dignity for those affected.
Buttenschon’s Response: “No one should be denied their voice. This legislation represented a step toward inclusivity, support, and understanding for those who live with a condition that affects their most basic ability to speak.”
A.2520 – Medicaid Parity for Durable Medical Equipment Providers
Purpose: This bill would have required Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to reimburse providers of durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, ventilators, and orthotics, at no less than 100% of the Medicaid fee schedule.
Impact: In recent years, unsustainably low MCO reimbursement rates have forced many DME providers to close their doors, leaving entire counties without access to life-sustaining equipment. A.2520 would have corrected this inequity and restored provider access across underserved communities.
Buttenschon’s Response: “This legislation would have protected access to essential medical equipment for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. The veto is a step back for health equity.”
Assemblywoman Buttenschon emphasized that each of these bills garnered bipartisan support and addressed clear gaps in the current healthcare and insurance landscape. While vetoed, she intends to work with her colleagues and advocacy groups to reintroduce and refine these proposals during the next legislative session.
“These vetoes do not mark the end of the road, they mark a renewed commitment,” she said. “I will continue to champion policies that reflect the values of empathy, fairness, and access to care for all New Yorkers.”