The Issue:
There are still several major issues moving forward during this last week of Legislative Session. One of the significant issues we are working on is S5909 commonly known as the ‘mental health access’ bill. For many people, access to medication is a key component of recovery. In many cases, it may take several different options before they find the appropriate medication that works best for them. There should be no roadblocks that stand in the way of access. Unfortunately, through fail first, step therapy and prior authorization requirements, many people don’t get full access to the medication necessary to their recovery.
This legislation will help eliminate the barriers. This is especially relevant this year when we are facing the mental health impact of COVID.
Please take a minute to call Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Senator Kaminsky and urge their support for this important legislation.
The Action:
Please call:
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins at (518) 455-2585
Senator Todd Kaminsky at (518) 455-3401
Message is listed below:
“I am writing/calling in regard to bill S.5909/A.3276, the ‘mental health access bill’, which would prohibit health plans from imposing fail first protocols on individuals with serious mental health issues Under current law, plans can refuse to pay for drugs prescribed for the treatment of serious mental health issues unless the patient has first tried and failed with less expensive drugs. This delay in care can cause major concerns to individuals with serious mental health issues. Please pass S.5909/A.3276 before the legislative session concludes.”
Thank you.
Glenn Liebman
CEO, MHANYS
194 Washington Avenue, Suite 415
Albany, N.Y. 12210
