Governor George E. Pataki today signed legislation to enact Timothy's
Law, which will require insurance companies to provide coverage for
individuals with mental illnesses.

The new law is named after Timothy O'Clair, a 12-year old boy from
Schenectady County who had an emotional disorder, but was unable to
obtain mental health services under his parent's health insurance
coverage. Timothy completed suicide in March 2001.

Under this new law, which takes effect January 1, 2007, health
insurance providers are required to provide comparable insurance
coverage for mental illnesses ("parity") as the policies provide for
other medical care. This will allow adults and children with
biologically-based mental illnesses to receive the same health care
coverage benefits as those provided for other physical ailments.

In a calendar year, the coverage must include at least 30 days of
active inpatient (hospital) care, and at least 20 days of active
treatment in a facility operated by the State Office of Mental Health
(OMH), a psychiatrist or psychologist licensed to practice in New
York, or a university faculty practice corporation. The cost of any
premiums and deductibles must be consistent with those imposed for
other benefits available under the insurance policy.

http://www.timothyslaw.org/index.htm

If this works, I hope other states would accept it as well.

Nesibe