Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle, D- Irondequoit, today announced significant progress for his legislative agenda as the 2009 Assembly session drew to a close. The proposals that moved forward enhance consumer rights in the areas of health and life insurance, promote job growth, and establish higher ethical standards and practices for state agencies.

"I am gratified that these measures have advanced and in some instances become state law," said Morelle, who chairs the Assembly's Committee on Insurance. "While this year has been undeniably challenging on many levels, I believe we can and should still make progress on the issues that matter most to our citizens, especially with regard to health care insurance, economic development, consumer protection, and restoring faith in state government."

To view the text of the following bills, use the underlined link:

Managed Care Reform

This legislation addresses issues left unresolved by earlier HMO reform efforts, particularly with regard to New York's Managed Care Consumer Bill of Rights and patient protection. The current system still leaves many consumers faced with frustration and significant financial harm when health plans deny payment for already-approved treatments and services.

Morelle's bill makes it easier for patients to receive coverage for rare and experimental treatments, protects consumers from changes in reimbursement policies without prior notification, and grants HMO "look alike" plans many of the same rights and privileges in terms of preventative care services and co-pay rates.

These and other changes will provide more flexibility in treatment options, greater peace of mind for the insured, and greater financial and professional consideration for the direct providers of critical services. It also moves New York closer to the goal of universal health coverage for its citizens. (Passed Assembly; Senate action required.)

Timothy's Law Made Permanent

The tragic suicide of a 13-year-old boy whose parents could not afford treatments for their son's psychological disorder led to the passage of Timothy's Law, requiring health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions comparable to coverage for physical illnesses and injuries. (Passed Assembly; Senate action required.)

Life Settlements Reform

With this measure, New York seeks to ensure ethical behavior within the growing life settlements market, particularly on the part of the agents who broker sales of life insurance policies. (Passed Assembly; Senate action required.)

When federal stimulus dollars were made available to help recently unemployed New Yorkers pay COBRA health care premiums, a gap in the federal program potentially excluded employees laid off by small businesses. This legislation made those benefits available to these individuals as well. (Signed into law March 20, 2009.)

Extending Health Care to Young Adults

Uninsured young adults 19 to 29 represent 31 percent of New York State's total uninsured population, largely due to the fact that many lose coverage upon graduation from high school and college. Many within this age range hold entry-level positions in small firms that do not offer employee health programs.

This bill provides health care access by requiring commercial insurers, non-profit corporations and HMOs to offer an option to continue coverage for unmarried young adults through age 29, regardless of financial dependence, under a parent's group health insurance policy. The bill would not require employers to contribute to the cost of coverage, and allows individuals in this age range to buy health plans at less-expensive group rates. (Passed Assembly; Senate action required.)

Statewide Telemedicine Task Force

This legislation will help advance New York in the fields of telemedicine and telehealth, rapidly emerging arenas in which medical information is transferred by telephone, the Internet or other networks so that physicians may consult, diagnose ailments and even carry out certain procedures from remote locations. The long-term outcome will be better, more rapid patient care and cost reductions achieved through technology-based efficiences. (Passed Assembly; Senate action required.)

Prohibiting State Agencies From Making Loans to Employees

In 1993, the state Jobs Development Authority loaned approximately $87,000 to top executives for personal uses, including air travel and payment of credit card debt. It was a clear violation of the public trust, and this legislation prohibits future abuses and prescribes penalties for such practices within all publicly-funded state agencies. (Signed into law June 9, 2009.)

Amending Monroe County Tax Law

This legislation expands from three to four the number of installment payments available for taxpayers who enter into an installment agreement with Monroe County, allowing for greater flexibility and affordability for taxpayers whose finances may not allow for a substantial up-front first installment payment, especially in these troubled economic times. (Passed Assemby; Senate action required.)

One-Stop Regional Economic Development Centers

Since joining the Assembly, promoting job growth and a healthier business climate in New York has been Assemblyman Morelle's top priority. A significant element of his agenda is lowering the cost of doing business in New York by reducing the bureaucracy faced by small business entrepreneurs and owners.

One method of accomplishing this is the establishment of one-stop regional centers where private-sector professionals may learn about state economic programs and the various local, state, and federal regulatory issues that relate to their operations. (Passed Assembly; Senate action required.)

About NYS Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle

Since 1990, Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle has represented the 132nd Assembly District, which includes portions of the city of Rochester and the Monroe County suburbs of Irondequoit and Brighton. He is Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance and also serves on the Rules, Ways & Means, Economic Development and Higher Education committees.