Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies

Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies covering care for other mental health services.

VETO MESSAGE - No. 124 TO THE ASSEMBLY: I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill: Assembly Bill Number 3319, entitled: "AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to including outpa- tient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insur- ance policies" NOT APPROVED This bill would require commercial health insurers to cover outpatient care provided by licensed creative arts therapists. I share the goal of this bill, which is to ensure that insured patients have access to the proper coverage for mental health treatment services. However, the bill as drafted would expand such coverage in a way that could open the State to increased costs under the federal Affordable Care Act, costs that are not accounted for in the State Financial Plan. Because of the fiscal impact of this legislation, the proposal would be more appropriately considered in the context...