Gotham Government Relations Working Pro-Bono to Pass Bill
March 15, 2010; New York, NY – Gotham Government Relations is pleased to announce its participation in working to pass a new bill ending Autism insurance discrimination. Bill Number S7000, sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin, the Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, will amend the insurance law and the public health law. The bill will also expand health insurance coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Gotham Government Relations wholeheartedly supports this new legislation and is lending its full support, pro-bono, to get it passed in both houses and signed by the Governor this session.
“Gotham is honored to work with the bi-partisan coalition of legislators in ending the autism insurance discrimination that has lasted way too long in New York State,” Gotham co-founder Brad Gerstman says. “Too many families struggle day to day with medical bills associated with the treatment of autism. Our goal is to work tirelessly with the legislators, autism groups, and families to have this outstanding bill enacted into law before the end of the 2010 legislative session.”
According to the CDC, Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined and the disorder costs the nation over $35 billion per year. Bill S7000 will require private health insurance companies to provide families the coverage needed for the proper treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The bill has no age caps or dollar caps on these benefits and covers many integral procedures necessary to the treatment of autism.
About Gotham Government Relations
New York’s fastest-growing government relations firm, Gotham Government Relations, provides lobbying, advocacy and consulting to its clients. Gotham offers its clients forward-thinking strategies that tap into political trends and opportunities. The work of its partners has resulted in shaping public policy on a number of key matters, including business advocacy and strategy; land use; special education; and charitable causes. For more information, visit onto www.gothamgr.com or call us at 516.880.8170.
