Issues: Insurance

ONEONTA, 08/29/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today applauded the efforts of Governor Cuomo and other state and local officials in continuing to keep residents informed of steps to take following Hurricane Irene.  Below is a press release issued by the governor’s office which includes vital information in regard to property losses and insurance claims.

"The days following a natural disaster can be confusing and stressful, but it is important for those who have suffered property damage to file an insurance claim as quickly as possible to help protect their financial future," Governor Cuomo said.

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R, Merrick) and Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle (D, Rochester) today announced an agreement between the Legislature and the Governor’s office in support of legislation to enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The bill (S.4005-B) would save tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses spent by families caring for individuals with autism and address insurance companies’ refusal to cover costs for autism treatments and therapies.

ALBANY, 06/21/11 – The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.5811) that will modernize the regulation of commercial insurance.  The legislation, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta), will exempt some large commercial insurance policyholders from certain state requirements.

“This legislation is a much needed step toward streamlining and modernizing insurance regulation in New York state,” said Senator Seward.  “The changes will also keep premium dollars right here, helping bolster an already robust insurance job market.”

Bonacic co-sponsored Legislation Would Ensure that Screening, Diagnosis, & Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders are Covered by Insurance 

The New York State Senate today approved legislation to enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The bill (S.4005A), sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R, Merrick), would save tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses spent by families caring for individuals with autism and address insurance companies’ refusal to cover costs for autism treatments and therapies. Autism Spectrum Disorders affect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys, are currently affected with autism.

Expands DA’s Ability to Prosecute Medicaid Provider Waste and Abuse

New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said he voted for a bill (S.594) that passed the Senate on June 6 that implements a key recommendation of the Senate Republican Task Force on Medicaid Fraud and increases the prosecution of Medicaid waste and abuse while also bringing significant savings to the state and counties.

The legislation helps increase cost recoveries by allowing the state’s Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) to assist local district attorneys in prosecutions of Medicaid provider fraud.

News From New York StateSenator Shirley L. HuntleyFor Immediate Release: May 18, 2011Contact: Bryant G. Gaspard| gaspard@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

Senator Huntley Aims to Help Homeowners Save on Asbestos Removal

Legislation will lower building renovation costs, help families stay healthy