Published: May 21, 2008 06:25 pm            

WHEATFIELD: Albany bus trip creates momentum

Leaders say insurance changes are “forthcoming.”

The so-called “bus trip of hope” returned from Albany Wednesday with at least one local government official saying changes are forthcoming in how New York regulates health insurance carriers.

A contingent of 60 business, government and clergy leaders from Erie and Niagara counties departed Wheatfield Town Hall on Tuesday to join other civic groups in Rochester and Syracuse to discuss health care, jobs and taxes with state lawmakers.

“As a result of Wheatfield’s early stance on health insurance costs, and with the help of the coalition, it appears that important changes will be forthcoming,” Wheatfield Supervisor Tim Demler said in a press release issued from Albany.

Demler and Wheatfield Business Association President Tom Stevenson teamed up with the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH) in scheduling the two-day trip, in which Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas Executive Director Joyce Santiago also took part.

Members of the coalition met with more than 20 state lawmakers at a legislative breakfast Wednesday, where Demler expressed the need for health care reform. Among those in attendance were Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, R-Rensselaer; Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane; and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo.

Demler, Stevenson and members of NOAH began addressing various health care issues earlier this year with a series of public forums involving local government and business members, as well as representatives from the health care industry and Maziarz’s office.

The Albany excursion — which Demler called “the bus trip of hope” earlier this week — grew out of those meetings. Local leaders have railed against health care costs and coverage, and voiced their demand that New York state do more to rein in insurance providers.

With the support of local state senators and assemblymen, bills have been introduced in both houses that would require review and oversight of health insurance premium costs.

“It would require some sort of administrative process for any rate increase by health insurance carriers,” Maziarz said Wednesday, adding, “It would make the process of their rate structure more transparent.”

About six years ago, the state Legislature allowed to sunset a law that required health insurance carriers hold public hearings before raising their rates. Moreover, any rate hikes were subject to approval from a state commission.

Maziarz said the Wheatfield leaders’ decision to put the issue back at the forefront “absolutely was the catalyst” behind the recent bill introductions. He said there’s a good chance of the bills getting passed, although it will take some time.

“I think it can, just because there’s so much pressure out there because of these ever-increasing insurance premiums,” Maziarz said.

        

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