Governor Signs Telehealth Bill into Law
Governor Cuomo signed into law last week, (A.9129-A (Russell)-S.7852 (Young), which requires insurers, including the State’s Medicaid program, to provide coverage for telehealth and telemedicine services. The Governor noted in his approval letter that these services are “increasingly useful for rural patients who might live far away from their doctors.” It is expected that the Legislature will amend the bill during the upcoming Legislative Session to address Gov. Cuomo’s concerns related to the coverage effective date of Jan. 1, 2015 and services not currently covered by insurance plans that are included in the new law. We will keep members updated as new information unfolds. Learn more.
Adopting Complete Streets in Herkimer County & Other Rural Communities
by Alison J. Swartz During a recent drive into work, I noticed a woman running on the side of the road dressed in a fluorescent yellow vest with reflectors on her back and arms, dressed with all the proper running gear. This particular road is seven miles long and is a very narrow town roadway with no shoulders. Its width allows two cars to meet and pass one another with the outer tires barely scuffing the edge where the pavement meets the gravel. I was especially alarmed when two cars ahead of me (traveling in opposite directions) met each other by this runner and forced her to run into the ditch, because neither car was willing to stop and wait a few seconds to allow one or the other to pass through. Three years ago, if I mentioned the words Complete Streets to mayors, town supervisors, ...