Relates post traumatic stress disorder

Title of bill

An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to post traumatic stress disorder

Purpose

This legislation would include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the list of biologically based mental illnesses that would be covered under Timothy's Mental Health Parity Law.

Summary of provisions

Sections one, two and three of the bill amends sections 3221 and 4303 of the insurance law to include post traumatic stress disorder among the list of biologically based mental illnesses to be covered.

Section four of the bill provides for an effective date.

Justification

A number of important physiological differences have been found in individuals diagnosed with PTSD compared with individuals without the disorder which support the inclusion of PTSD within the list of biologically based mental illnesses that are covered under NYS's Mental Health Parity Law. For example, brain imaging studies demonstrate increased cerebral blood flow in regions associated with memory and emotional regulation. Hormonal abnormalities have been found in domestic violence victims suffering from PTSD and are thought to explain why individuals with PTSD are kept in a constant heightened state of readiness for threat despite not encountering actual danger. PTSD is also linked to metabolic changes and cellular damage in the cingulate gyrus, the limbic region responsible for autonomic nervous system functioning, such as cognitive processing, blood pressure and heart rate regulation.

While the prevalence of PTSD in the general population is small, it is relatively high when you look at certain subgroups of the population that are affected by it. Veterans who have been in combat, victims of violent crimes such as rape, survivors of childhood abuse, and persons exposed to catastrophic events such as natural disasters or terrorism all suffer from much higher rates of PTSD. Additionally the symptoms are very real and debilitating. Left untreated, PTSD is highly associated with serious medical ailments leading to significant physical debilitation and even premature death. Further, suicide risk for PTSD patients is considerably higher than among unaffected populations.

New York State adopted Mental Health Parity under Timothy's Law in 2006 and made it permanent in 2009. In 2010 we should pass this bill and include PTSD within the list of biologically based mental illnesses that must be covered by insurers. By doing so we will be making sure that our returning veterans, victims of abuse or and other violent crimes and others suffering from PTSD are afforded the care they need through their insurance coverage to address their disease.

Legislative history

2009: S.185 - Passed Senate 2008: S.6818 - Held on Senate Calendar

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

90 days after enactment provided that this bill shall apply to policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such effective date.