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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><STRONG>Fixing mental health? Despite
cynical timing, Senate's Timothy's Law represents a big
step.<o:p></o:p></STRONG></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN class=thebyline><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Journal News</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=date>September 20, 2006</SPAN>
</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
class=text><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Say
what you will about the state Senate's passage of the so-called Timothy's Law —
and there is much to say — the fact is, after more than 20 years of advocates'
trying, New York just may join at least 44 other states and require insurers to
offer some kind of mental-health coverage. For some of the people, some of the
time, maybe even starting Jan. 1.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Anyway, it's a start.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">A rocky
history<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>During a special session, the
previously resistant Senate approved, 55-0, a bill to require that
private-sector insurers provide modest medical treatment for certain categories
of mental illnesses and conditions. Such legislation had long been opposed by
many Republicans, who control that house, as well as business groups and health
insurers, who complained about cost. The Democratic majority in the Assembly had
long favored such mental-health "parity,'' coverage for treatment on a par with
physical illnesses.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>At the end of both the 2004 and 2005
legislative sessions, thanks to vocal advocates — including the father of an
upstate boy, Timothy O'Clair, who committed suicide five years ago after his
family could not access appropriate treatment — the Legislature seemed close to
some sort of deal. Each fell through. This year, until the very last minutes of
the regular session, a compromise seemed imminent. It, too,
collapsed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Change of
heart<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Just days after the state primary
leading to the Nov. 7 general election, the Senate returned to <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Albany</st1:City></st1:place> Friday and passed a
Timothy's Law that was weaker than what the Assembly had wanted. Perhaps the
unexpected gesture by the Senate leadership indicated a simple change of heart
over the summer about the needs of the mentally ill, who represent an estimated
4 percent of the population. Or perhaps because the Senate was in town to
confirm many of Gov. Pataki's late-term appointments — including his nominee to
the state's highest court, Judge Eugene Pigott Jr. of the <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:place></st1:City> area — the Senate
decided to put Timothy O'Clair in its sights as well.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Whatever the reason, the Assembly
now must decide if it wants to return for its own special session and accept the
Senate's bill. If it does, the legislation heads to Pataki, who leaves office at
the end of this year. Or, given all the contested races members face, the
Assembly could wait until after the November election to re-group. Or the entire
Legislature could put the whole issue off and wait until a new governor takes
office Jan. 1.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman">Close to
home<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno,
who long opposed mental-health parity bills as too expensive, has an adult
granddaughter with anorexia who was recently the subject of a statewide search.
He said at Friday's special session that "mental illness can result in tragedy
if not properly treated. The public in some way picks up the tab.'' Afterward,
he said that Pataki had indicated to him that the governor would sign the bill.
Yet Pataki said later, "I don't recall that conversation.''</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Clearly, Timothy's Law is more in
limbo than out. Even if signed into law as is, it would expire after two years,
when it would undergo an effectiveness and impact review by the state. Still,
whether warm-and-fuzzy turnaround or common-sense political gesture, the Senate
action was a breakthrough for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New
York</st1:State></st1:place>. Of sorts. Voters should hardly be
satisfied.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></B></P>
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style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Pataki Casts Doubt on Fate of Mental Health Measure
Passed by the Senate <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The New York Times<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN></I><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>September 16, 2006</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>After one of the more intensive
grass-roots campaigns that <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City> has seen in years, the State Senate
voted yesterday to require that health insurance plans cover treatment for
mental illness.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The Assembly is also expected to
pass the bill, but yesterday, Gov. George E. Pataki cast some doubt on its
chances of becoming law.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The Senate majority leader, Joseph
L. Bruno, a Republican, said at a news conference, “I’ve talked to the governor
about this, and the governor has indicated to me, this governor, that he would
sign the bill when it gets there.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>But minutes later, at another news
conference, Mr. Pataki, a Republican, said only that he would look at the bill,
which is expected to raise the cost of some health insurance policies. Asked
about Senator Bruno’s claim that he had promised to sign the bill, Mr. Pataki
said, “I don’t recall that conversation.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Advocates for the mentally ill have
campaigned for such laws since the 1980’s. Last year, 44 states and the
<st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">District of
Columbia</st1:place></st1:State> required some kind of mental health coverage,
according to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, a national
group.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>In <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State>, the Democratic majority in the
Assembly had long favored the idea. It was opposed by business groups, health
insurers and many of the Republicans who control the Senate. But in 2004 and
2005, a deal seemed imminent, but then talks broke down.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>This year, people who have mental
illness in their families and organizations for the mentally ill stepped up the
pressure, demonstrating noisily outside lawmakers’ offices, the Senate chambers
and even at a nearby baseball stadium where Mr. Bruno was throwing out the
ceremonial first pitch at a game.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Most prominent among them has been
Tom O’Clair, whose 12-year-old son, Timothy, committed suicide in 2001. He drew
widespread attention with his plainspoken persistence, often staying at the
Capitol past midnight. The bill was dubbed Timothy’s Law, and Mr. O’Clair stood
beside Mr. Bruno yesterday as he announced the Senate vote.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>“We know how many people suffer from
mental illness, and how few are able to come to grips with it, get treatment for
it or even admit to themselves,” Mr. O’Clair said. “Timothy’s Law will address
the stigma, will help in eliminating it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Mr. Bruno mentioned his own
granddaughter, who was recently the subject of a statewide hunt when she went
missing. He said that she suffers from anorexia.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Several times in the last 10 years,
<st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State>
lawmakers have told private-sector insurers that they must cover certain
services — infertility treatment and minimum hospital stays after mastectomies,
for example. Business groups and insurers oppose the requirements, arguing that
they raise the price of insurance and discourage people and businesses from
buying it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Such state laws apply to about seven
million of <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New
York</st1:place></st1:State>’s 19 million people, according to the Conference of
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Millions more belong to employer or union
plans that are governed by federal law and are exempt from state laws. And in
both groups, many policies already cover some degree of mental health
treatment.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill would not apply to the more
than six million New Yorkers on government plans like Medicaid and Medicare —
which also provide some mental health benefits — or to the three million with no
insurance.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Estimates of the cost of a mental
health mandate vary widely, but “some plans have estimated about a 11/2 percent
impact on premiums,” said Mark Amodeo, a spokesman for the statewide Conference
of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Earlier Assembly proposals would
have required much more than the current bill, including coverage of drug- and
alcohol-abuse treatment, but they were whittled down in talks with the Senate,
until a verbal deal was struck in June.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The final version does not cover
substance-abuse treatment. Also, it requires fewer services for adults than for
children, while forcing the state to pay the resulting costs for businesses with
50 employees or fewer. The law would expire after two years, requiring
legislators to reconsider the issue in 2008.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>This year’s regular legislative
session ended in June, but the Senate convened for a few hours yesterday, and
passed the bill, 55-0. Assembly members said they expect to convene briefly
after the November election.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>For adults, the bill would require
coverage of a number of specific conditions, including major depression, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia and eating disorders, and up to 30 days a year of
hospitalization and 20 days of outpatient treatment.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>For people under age 18, other
conditions are added, like attention deficit disorder, and the bill is much more
broadly worded, requiring, for example, coverage for treatment of emotional
disturbances that pose a risk of injury or significant property
damage.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>Michael Cooper contributed reporting from <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Albany</st1:City></st1:place>.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">N.Y. Senate passes bill requiring insurers to cover
mental illness<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Journal News</I><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>September 16, 2006</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN class=thebyline>By Cara
Matthews</SPAN><BR><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">(Note – Similar
articles also ran in the <st1:City w:st="on">Rochester</st1:City> Democrat and
Chronicle and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Binghamton</st1:City></st1:place> Press & Sun
Bulletin)<o:p></o:p></I></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><SPAN
class=text>ALBANY</SPAN></st1:City></st1:place><SPAN class=text> — After years
of resistance, the Republican-led Senate unanimously passed legislation
yesterday to require that insurers provide equal coverage for mental illness as
for physical ailments.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno,
R-Brunswick, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Rensselaer</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, said the legislation would correct
"inadequate and unfair laws in the state" regarding mental illness
treatment.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The measure had been blocked in the
Senate for years because of concerns it would drive up business costs, but the
Assembly and Senate reached a compromise in June. The Senate met in special
session yesterday to act on the bill, known as "Timothy's Law," and on
confirmations.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"If you have a cancer, if you have a
serious heart condition, there is no question that you get treated from the
ailment to getting better or going on with your life," Bruno said. "With mental
sickness, that has not been the case. Some companies cover for limited periods.
Some companies cover more broadly and some companies for insurance cover
nothing, none of it."</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill, which passed 55-0,
provides for a minimum of 30 outpatient and 20 inpatient visits a year for
mental illness, and the state would pick up the extra cost of premiums for
businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Large employers would have to provide
additional coverage for adults and children.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The law would not apply to companies
or governments that are self-insured because there is an exemption under federal
law.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The Democrat-led Assembly passed a
more expansive bill earlier this year but would have to return to vote on the
new version. No return date has been set. If passed, it will take effect Jan.
1.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"I'm confident it will be this
year," said Assemblyman Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Montgomery</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, the bill's sponsor in his house.
Sen. Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton, carried the bill in his chamber.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Gov. George Pataki, who has vetoed
other mental-health laws this year, was noncommittal yesterday. "We'll need to
see what happens with that and then take a look," said the Republican, who is
stepping down at the end of the year.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The legislation is named for Timothy
O'Clair, a 12-year-old <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Schenectady</st1:place></st1:City> boy who took his own life in 2001.
His family's mental-health coverage was limited, and his parents had to give up
custody of Timothy so he could qualify for state-paid treatment.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Mental illness is a common
affliction, but many people can't come to terms with it, admit they have it or
get treatment, said Timothy's father, Tom O'Clair. The law would correct the
disparity that has gone on far too long, he said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The potential cost of the law has
been a concern for insurers and businesses, but opinions are mixed. It is
unknown how much premiums will increase, and estimates on how much the state
would pay out for small businesses have ranged from tens of millions of dollars
to $60 million.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"Pick a number," Bruno said when
asked about the price tag.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Timothy's Law was opposed by the New
York State Conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans and Support Services
Alliance Inc., a small-business group, because it is a mandate.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The law could push the cost of
health-care policies out of reach of vulnerable businesses, Chris Koetzle of the
alliance said in a statement.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The state Business Council opposed
earlier versions of the bill but took no position on the compromise.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The New York Health Plan
Association, which represents HMOs, supported the measure because health plans
would maintain what they call their "management of care" powers.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">
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<o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Senate approves long-stalled mental health coverage
mandate<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Business Review</I> (<st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City>)<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>September 15, 2006</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>By Joel Stashenko</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>State senators Friday approved a
bill 55-0 which they had long resisted to require health care policies in
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> state
to cover treatment for mental and emotional illnesses. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The state Senate's Republican
majority dropped its opposition to the so-called mental health "parity" bill
under an agreement reached in June, just before the Legislature concluded its
regular 2006 session. The deal called for mandatory coverage for alcohol and
drug treatment to be dropped from the legislation, and for the state to provide
$50 million to $60 million to offset insurance cost increases for due to the
parity bill for companies with 50 or fewer employees. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill's chief Senate sponsor,
Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton), said the bill is "long overdue." He said he hoped
it would help more people overcome the "horrible stigma of mental illness and
give people hope." </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>State Sen. John DeFrancisco
(R-Syracuse) said he did not think there was anyone in the Senate chamber Friday
who hasn't suffered from mental illness or have a loved one who has. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"It's a great day for those mental
health advocates and those suffering from mental illnesses," DeFrancisco said.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Sen. Thomas Duane (D-Manhattan) said
in the next few years, the state Legislature should revisit the health insurance
mandate and include alcohol and drug addiction treatment in the coverage
requirement. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The state Insurance Department will
work out how the smaller companies will be reimbursed for additional coverage
costs. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The legislation requires policies to
cover 30 days of inpatient treatment and 20 days of outpatient treatment for
mental illnesses. They include schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar
disorder, panic disorder, bulimia, anorexia and binge eating. The bill also
requires policies to cover the children of workers under age 18 who need
treatment for severe emotional problems. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The legislation approved by the
Senate Friday would take effect Jan. 1, 2007, and will run for two years. A
study will be performed at the same time into the effectiveness and costs of the
bill to help guide the Legislature in whether to extend or alter the mandate in
two years. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The state Assembly has yet to
schedule a return to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Albany</st1:City></st1:place> to approve the bill and deal with other
legislative issues facing that chamber. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>State Senate Majority Leader Joseph
Bruno said Friday it was his understanding that Gov. George Pataki will sign the
bill if it reaches his desk. But Pataki on Friday only promised to "take a look"
at the bill if it gets that far. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Of a promise to sign the bill that
Bruno said Pataki made, the governor said, "I don't recall that
conversation."</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">State Senate passes Timothy's Law
<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Whether Pataki will sign new mandate on health insurance
for mental disorders unknown <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:City w:st="on">Albany</st1:City>
<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Times <st1:place
w:st="on">Union</st1:place></I><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN class=txdateline>September 16, 2006</SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>By <SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Rick
Karlin</SPAN>, Capitol bureau </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">ALBANY</st1:City></st1:place> -- The state Senate
Friday passed a bill forcing insurers to treat mental health disorders like any
other medical ailment, but it was unclear if Gov. George Pataki would sign the
measure before he leaves office at the end of December.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"We'll look at it," was all Pataki
would say of his plans for Timothy's Law, named for Timothy O'Clair, a
12-year-old <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Rotterdam</st1:place></st1:City> resident who committed suicide in
2001 after repeated bouts of depression.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The O'Clair family's insurance had
given out and they were forced to give up custody of the boy so he could be
treated.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Since Timothy's death, his father
Tom O'Clair has campaigned for measures to have mental health problems covered
in the same way as physical ailments.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno,
R-Brunswick, said he was confident Pataki would sign the measure, which senators
approved 55-0. But Pataki said he didn't recall discussing it with
Bruno.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>It is unclear whether the Assembly
will return to act on the bill before January, but the chamber has passed
similar bills.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"I'm totally hopeful," said
Assemblyman Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, who has sponsored the latest Assembly
bill.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The law strikes a chord for Bruno,
whose 20-year-old granddaughter, Rachel Bruno, disappeared this summer and was
found in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Manhattan</st1:place></st1:City> with a man she met on the Internet.
Bruno later explained the young woman had long suffered from severe anorexia,
and that after her return she went into treatment.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"All of us are touched in some way
with a tragedy or an illness that deals with mental health," Bruno
said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill requires insurers to cover
attention deficit and other disorders for those under 18 if there are suicidal
or dangerous symptoms. For all ages, it mandates coverage for biologically
rooted mental illnesses like schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar
disorder.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Insurers would have to cover 30
inpatient days and 20 outpatient days.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Insurers, including many of the
state's Blue Cross and Blue Shield carriers, already offer such plans, but fear
the law could drive up insurance costs, said Mark Amodeo, spokesman for the
state conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Lawmakers noted the law includes
money to pay premium increases for companies with 50 or fewer employees. Some
estimates on how much that would cost the state have run to $60
million.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">In the name of
help<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">State Senate's OK of Timothy's Law adds needed benefits,
but it will cost more.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma">Elmira</SPAN></st1:place></st1:City><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"> <I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Star-Gazette</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>September 18, 2006<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Morally, the state Senate's approval of the so-called
Timothy's Law was the right thing to do. Financially, it could cost a little or
a lot more in health insurance premiums. No one is quite
certain.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">What is certain is that the Senate's 55-0 vote for the
bill in special session on Friday has broken through longtime opposition to a
measure that requires insurance plans in <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State> to add mental health treatment
benefits for adults and children.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">The Assembly still must approve the bill, and Gov. Pataki
must sign it, but the heavy lifting was in the Senate. The proposal had been
caught up in a mixture of policy, money and emotions. The bill is named after
Timothy O'Clair, a 12-year-old from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Schenectady</st1:place></st1:City> who killed himself in 2001 after
his parents gave up custody of him so he could receive publicly financed
treatment for his emotional problems.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Under the law, health insurers must provide 30 days of
inpatient treatment and 20 days of outpatient treatment. Timothy's Law would
cost employers and their workers anywhere from about 3 percent to 10 percent,
according to estimates in an Associated Press
story.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Companies would be required to fully cover "biologically
based mental illnesses," including major depression, obsessive compulsive
disorder, anorexia and binge eating, the AP reported, and other
disorders.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">The impact probably won't be felt until the law has been
in effect for a year. One proviso would make the state responsible for the extra
cost for companies with 50 employees or fewer, and that's
fair.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Businesses and insurers had questioned the bill because
of the added costs. Their concerns were valid, but many employers and insurance
plans have moved in new directions with coverage for years of drug and alcohol
abuse as well as counseling services.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Timothy's Law is an extension of that to more severe
mental disorders, and though this is going to hike premiums, the new law could
save someone's life.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Senate moves to require greater mental
health coverage</B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Newsday</I> <SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>September 15, 2006<I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><o:p></o:p></I></FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3>by Michael Gormley</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">ALBANY</st1:City>, <st1:State
w:st="on">N.Y.</st1:State></st1:place> -- The state Senate on Friday advanced a
legislative agreement that would require health insurers to cover far more
mental health treatment for adults and children. </FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>No one knows how much the proposed
"Timothy's Law" would increase health insurance premiums paid by employers and
workers, but most advocates and lawmakers expect premiums would rise. The
estimated premium increases range from "minimal" to up to 10 percent, said
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Mark Amodeo, representing the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> State
Conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, said the companies' analysis
shows premiums would likely rise less than 3.5 percent. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"It might not sound like a lot, but
it will add to the cost of coverage at a time when many employers are struggling
to maintain the current level of coverage," he said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>But Bruno said the cost, which he
thinks will be minimal, is well worth it. He also said health care costs overall
would decrease with early treatment of mental illness, as opposed to last-resort
emergency room care. The measure passed 55-0. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"Mental illness can result in
tragedy if it is not properly treated," said Bruno, a Rensselaer County
Republican, in Friday's special session. "The public in some way picks up the
tab." </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Bruno said Gov. George Pataki told
him he would sign the compromise with the Assembly, although Pataki said later
that he didn't recall committing to the bill. He said he will review it when
it's sent to him, after the Assembly votes on it. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The Democrat-led Assembly could also
return in a special session to approve the bill and send it to Pataki to sign it
into law or veto. Or, the Assembly and Senate could adopt the bill in January
and send it to the next governor. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Democrat Eliot Spitzer and
Republican John Faso are running to succeed Pataki, whose last term ends Dec.
31. Pataki and Faso said they would both sign Timothy's Law, but want safeguards
to protect businesses from being saddled with another cost mandated by
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Albany</st1:City></st1:place>.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"This can truly avoid a tragedy,"
said state Sen. Hugh Farley, a Schenectady County Republican. He said the cost
added to premiums is "a Catch-22, but you have to do it." </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill that has been proposed in
some form for 20 years has been pushed by Tom O'Clair, a resident of Farley's
district, since his son, Timothy, died. The 12-year-old killed himself in 2001
after his parents had to give up custody of him so he could get public-funded
treatment for emotional problems. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill would require insurance
companies to cover 30 inpatient days of treatment and 20 outpatient days of
treatment for mental illness. Companies would be required to fully cover
"biologically based mental illnesses" including major depression, obsessive
compulsive disorder, anorexia and binge eating. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Timothy's Law would also require
coverage for children with attention deficit disorder, disruptive behavior
disorders or disorders that include suicidal symptoms. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The state would pay for the premium
increase for companies with 50 or fewer employees. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>As tears welled, Tom O'Clair stood
next to Bruno as advocates and senators applauded him and his wife, Donna, who
have been fixtures in the Capitol, lobbying for the law for years. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"This is Timothy's work, and I'm his
hands," the father said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>State Sen. Thomas Libous, a Broome
County Republican who sponsored the measure, said Timothy's Law would put New
York among the top five states in requiring mental health coverage. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"This is legislation that is long
overdue," Libous said </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The Senate also confirmed Judge
Eugene F. Pigott Jr. of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:City></st1:place> area to join the state's highest court
until Dec. 31, 2016. Gov. George Pataki nominated Pigott last month to the Court
of Appeals. He will replace Judge George Bundy Smith. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The Senate also confirmed many of
Pataki's appointments, including his former communications director, Lisa Dewald
Stoll of <st1:place w:st="on">Oyster Bay</st1:place>, to important governing
boards that regulate environmental, business, health and other issues.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Pataki has been criticized for
loading up his friends and allies to long-term state roles, but said he is
simply fulfilling his duty as governor until his term ends. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Democratic Sen. Liz Krueger
complained the minority conference didn't receive notice of Pataki's 61
nominations until late Thursday.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Senate Supports Insurance Parity For Mental Illness
<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:place w:st="on"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">North Country</I></st1:place><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Gazette</I><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>September 15, 2006</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
color=#000000 size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">ALBANY</st1:place></st1:City>---The New York
State Senate has passed "Timothy's Law," to provide parity in insurance coverage
for mental illnesses. The legislation, which has been sent to the Assembly,
would require insurance companies to cover most mental illnesses and would
require coverage for a broad range of mental illnesses and conditions
specifically related to children. The bill reflects an agreement with the State
Assembly that was reached at the end of the regular legislative
session.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Senate action on the legislation
(S.8482) was announced Friday at a Capitol news conference where Senate Majority
Leader Joseph L. Bruno and bill sponsor Sen. Thomas Libous were joined by Tom
O'Clair of <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Rotterdam</st1:place></st1:City>, whose 12-year-old son Timothy took
his own life in 2001 after repeated bouts of depression.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>"I'm very pleased that we've been
able to work together to craft this bill that we're passing today in remembrance
of Timothy, and to help other individuals affected by mental illness," said Sen.
Libous. "Not only is this legislation providing access to mental health
coverage, but it also has built in safeguards to protect small businesses and
their employees."</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The legislation includes the
following provisions:</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">COVERAGE FOR TREATMENT OF MENTAL
ILLNESSES</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The agreement would require
insurance companies to cover 30 inpatient days of treatment and 20 outpatient
days of treatment for all mental illnesses. The agreement would also require
insurance companies to fully cover biologically based mental illnesses,
including the following: Schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, Major Depression,
Bipolar Disorder, Delusional Disorders, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder, Bulimia, Anorexia and Binge Eating.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL
ILLNESS</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></FONT></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>In addition, the agreed upon bill
would require insurance coverage for children under age 18 with attention
deficit disorder, disruptive behavior disorders or pervasive development
disorders where there are serious suicidal symptoms or other life-threatening
self-destructive behavior; significant psychotic symptoms (hallucinations,
delusion, bizarre behaviors); behavior caused by emotional disturbances that
placed the child at risk of causing personal injury or significant property
damage; or behavior caused by emotional disturbances that placed the child at
substantial risk of removal from the household.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>To address cost concerns raised by
small businesses, the agreement directs the state Superintendent of Insurance to
develop a methodology that would hold businesses with 50 or fewer employees
harmless from any increase in insurance premiums that result from this measure.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>The bill would also require the
state Insurance Department and the Office of Mental Health to conduct a two year
study to determine the effectiveness and impact of mental health parity
legislation in New York and other states. When enacted, the bill would take
effect January 1, 2007 and sunset on December 31, 2009, to provide for an
opportunity to amend the law based on the findings and recommendations of the
study.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>Paige Pierce, executive director of
Families Together in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">New
York</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>,
said: "Families of children with special emotional and behavioral disorders know
first hand the trauma caused by the lack of services. They have endured crisis
trips to the emergency room, have given up their houses to pay for treatment,
have witnessed the slow starvation of anorexia and suffered through suicide
attempts of their son or daughter. Our families have hope for the future of
their children. That's why families have worked so hard for passage of Timothy's
Law. That's why they are watching on this historic day as the Senate passes
Timothy's Law. We want to thank the Senate for passing Timothy's Law today. We
are grateful for the Assembly's support and look forward to the day it is signed
into law by the Governor. On that day our families will truly celebrate."
</FONT></P></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT size=4><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT size=4><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT size=4><STRONG><U>HAVE
A FRIEND WHO YOU THINK MIGHT WANT TO JOIN TIMOTHY'S
TEAM?</U></STRONG></FONT> </SPAN><SPAN
class=140590418-10042006> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<P>
<FORM name=form1 action=http://www.kilakwa.net/cgi-bin/cgiemail/tt.txt
method=post>
<TABLE width=350 border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD colSpan=2><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Refer A
Friend</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Friend's Name: </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=fname name=fname>
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Friend's Email: </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=femail2
name=femail> </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Your Name: </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=name2 name=name>
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Your Email:</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=email2 name=email>
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD>
<DIV align=right><FONT
face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT type=submit value=Submit name=Submit>
</FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FORM></P></BODY></HTML>