On March 26, the New York City Council voted to establish a sleep apnea screening pilot program. The program will seek to expand access to preventive medical care and improve health outcomes by providing screenings to New Yorkers at no cost, prioritizing individuals without insurance.
Introduction 1047-B, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, would require the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), or another agency designated by the Mayor, to establish a 3-year pilot program that provides access to sleep apnea screenings at no cost, as well as access to home sleep apnea tests, if deemed appropriate. The bill would require DOHMH to prioritize individuals without insurance.
“Sleep is essential for our well-being, yet millions of New Yorkers unknowingly suffer from sleep apnea,” says Abreu, in a release. “As someone who was personally diagnosed with this condition, I know how transformative early detection and treatment can be. This legislation is a game-changer. By providing free screenings, home tests, and an awareness campaign, we’re giving New Yorkers the tools to detect sleep apnea early, access vital care, and improve their health. No one wants their bus driver or their child’s school teacher to be battling fatigue while they do their jobs, yet we have taken almost no steps as a city to promote better sleep health. That ends now.”
Similar to Congress at the federal level, the New York City Council is New York City’s legislative body. The council is separate from the mayor’s administration but is an equal partner in how the city is run. So, for example, while the mayor has the option of vetoing legislation that the council has approved, the council can respond with a two-thirds or more vote, enacting a law over the objection of the mayor to turn a bill into a law. The council negotiates to ensure that certain services are included in the city’s budget.
