Establishes a fund to benefit the residents of Hoosick Falls, Hoosick, and Petersburgh regarding medical monitoring expenses for those exposed to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) contaminated water

Title of bill

An act to amend the state finance law and the public health law, in relation to the establishment of a fund to benefit the residents of Hoosick Falls, Hoosick and Petersburgh regarding medical monitoring expenses for those exposed to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) contaminated water

Purpose

To establish a New York State fund for residents with elevated blood levels of PFOA from which uncovered medical expenses for screening of illnesses related to PFOA are paid.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends State Finance Law by adding a new section establishing the PFOA Medical Monitoring Fund.

Section 2 amends Public Health Law by adding a new title, PFOA Medical Monitoring Fund. The fund, its use and eligibility are defined.

Section 3 establishes the effective date.

Justification

One of the primary obligations of any government is to provide for the health and welfare of its residents. The recent discovery of water contamination in the towns of Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh has raised great alarm across the State. These instances of contamination by PFOA have been cited as the potential cause of many previously unexplained illnesses suffered by members of those communities. Illnesses potentially linked to PFOA exposure include but are not limited to: kidney cancer, testicular cancer, pre-eclampsia, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, hypercholesterolemia, developmental effects for fetuses, liver tissue damage and immune system impairments. One the keys to diagnosing and treating any of these potentially life-threatening illnesses are for those who were potentially affected to have regular tests and screenings and treatments.

As the State has done for other communities that have been impacted by circumstances beyond their control, this legislation would provide immediate financial relief to the residents of these communities in the form of creating a fund, administered by the Commissioner of Health and Comptroller, specifically dedicated to paying for those affected individuals' medical monitoringexpenses which are not covered by insurance. These expenses include but are not limited to: copays and deductibles; initial screening required for determining PFOA levels in one's body; continued medical monitoring until the individual's PFOA blood level is reduced to two parts per billion; and screening for tests for illnesses linked to PFOA contamination.

Individuals who were potentially affected should never have to be put in a position of not having regular screenings and subsequent tests and treatments due to their inability to cover these medical costs. Often, medical screenings allow for a timely diagnosis which can be treated. These steps can allow for treatments which ultimately save lives. This legislation will assist in those efforts.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

Immediately.