Politics on the Hudson

   Legislation that would make a mental-health parity law permanent passed the Assembly unanimously today and was sent to the Senate. With Senate leadership in flux, however, it’s unclear when the issue might come up for a vote. There are only a few weeks left in the regularly scheduled legislative session.

   Two years ago, the Legislature passed mental-health parity legislation, known as Timothy’s Law, but with an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2009. This year’s bill would make the law permanent. The law requires that mental illnesses be covered on a par with other health problems covered by insurance. Every insured person has to receive at least 30 inpatient days and 20 outpatient visits a year for mental health. Larger companies have to cover unlimited treatment for certain biologically based mental illnesses. The state picks up the cost for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, which totaled more than $90 million in 2008.

   The legislation is named for Timothy O’Clair, who took his own life in 2001 at age 12 after struggling with mental illness. Timothy’s parents had to give up custody of him because their insurance would not cover all the treatment he needed. 

   “Timothy’s Law has been successful in helping more New Yorkers receive mental health benefits critical to ensuring their success at work, in school and at home,” Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Rochester, said in a statement. “Making this law permanent will ensure that New Yorkers continue to receive the quality mental health benefits they need.”