A positive step forward was made for people who are battling cancer across New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill that will soon require health insurance policies to provide coverage for scalp cooling systems.

The technology is used to preserve hair during chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.

While helpful, scalp cooling treatments can cost people thousands of dollars to access.

The new bill is being considered as "a breakthrough" by many medical professionals and cancer advocates.

"Hair is definitely part of our identity," said advocate Monica Milligan. "So, to lose it is very challenging, but I am, again, excited this again will be hopeful [and] will give people hope that 'Now I'm going through this, and I don't have to lose my biggest part of my identity."'

The bill is set to take effect in January 2026.