Timothy's Law should include PTSD

Bolster coverage for mental health
June 4, 2009


Two years ago, state lawmakers made the sensible decision to correct a grave injustice in mental health-care coverage. They passed "Timothy's Law,'' which has forced insurers to cover more treatment for mental health care.

But the law was passed with a sunset provision, which means it will expire at the end of this year unless the state takes action. Gov. David Paterson is calling for such action - and lawmakers should adhere to his proposal.

Specifically, Paterson recently offered legislation to make the law permanent, timing his announcement with what would have been the 21st birthday of Timothy O'Clair, for whom the law is named. The 12-year-old Schenectady boy hanged himself after his parents were unable to obtain the mental health treatment he needed due to their health insurance coverage limits.

Include post-traumatic stress disorder
Not only should this law be extended and made permanent, but it also should be expanded to include those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from the disorder and could ultimately benefit from such coverage. Committees in the Senate and Assembly are reviewing bills introduced this year that define the stress disorder as a biologically based mental illness that would also be covered under Timothy's Law in order to assure "returning veterans, victims of terror and other violent crimes and others suffering from PTSD are afforded the care they need through their insurance coverage to address their disease."
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Bolster coverage for mental health