Senator Gipson’s Statement on Historic Lyme Legislation Signed Into Law

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2014
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SENATOR GIPSON’S STATEMENT ON HISTORIC LYME LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) today issued the following statement on Governor Andrew Cuomo signing S.7854, which was co-sponsored Senator Gipson, into law.

"Over the past two years we have fought to ensure that those in the Hudson Valley and across New York State who have been plagued with long-term Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses have the patient rights that they deserve. During this time we organized an extensive advocacy campaign to educate and persuade members of the State Legislature on the importance of such legislation and the seriousness of this issue. Now, because of those efforts, those suffering will receive the best course of treatment agreed upon with their doctor and family, not insurance companies or bureaucratic medical boards.

"This landmark legislation is a testament to the determination and hard work of the advocates and families who have been suffering for too long. I look forward to this being a stepping-stone for New York State to take further action that will require health insurers to provide coverage for the long-term medical care of Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses and for New York State to provide needed funding towards greater research and education."