Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation making New York the first state to allow pregnant women, including those in St. Lawrence County, to enroll in the state health insurance exchange at any time.

The measure permits pregnant women to enroll in the state health insurance exchange at any time during their pregnancy – making New York the first state in the nation to make pregnancy a “qualifying life event” in order to obtain health insurance benefits at any time through the health exchange.

“This legislation will help expectant mothers get access to essential pre-natal care and help build a stronger and healthier New York,” Cuomo said. “I thank the bill sponsors for their hard work on this critically important issue that will have a significant impact on future generations of New Yorkers.”

Previously, pregnancy was not included on the list of qualifying life events. Such life events include a change in residence, birth or adoption of a child, and marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse. As such, enrollment through the exchange is only available during the open enrollment period (October through December).

Insurance coverage for the woman would be effective as of the first of the month in which the woman is certified as pregnant.