Yorktown 8-Year-Old Inspires Proposed State Law

But thanks to Hannah and support from local state lawmakers a new proposed law would "require certain health insurance policies to include coverage for the cost of enteral formulas for the treatment" of Hannah's condition called eosinophilic esophagitis, according to a press release from state Sen. Greg Ball (R,C,I-Patterson). The law, known as Hannah's Law or S2287, recently unanimously passed the Senate but an Assembly vote is still pending. 

Ball is urging members of the Assembly to pass the law to make it easier for Hannah to get the medicine she needs.

“Passing this bill again in the Senate brings New York State one step closer to ensuring that thousands of families are never again victimized by the system, like the Devane family," Ball said in the release. "I am urging residents to contact their Assembly representative and let them know how important this bill is for children throughout New York State that suffer from eosinophilic esophagitis.” 

The Devane family also praised Ball and the other state senators for passing the proposed law. 

“I can’t thank Senator Greg Ball and his staff enough for the work they are doing on behalf of my daughter. We are very happy that the Senate has now acted two years in a row to pass this bill for my daughter and for all the EoS families in New York State,” said Jessie Devane in a press release. “I am urging members of the Assembly to follow the Senate’s lead in passing this bill. This legislation will give parents the peace of mind of knowing they can take care of their children without a financial burden.”

The Devane family pays roughly $1,200 per month for enteral formulas for Hannah, according to the release. Hannah's Law is gaining support from Assembly member Amy Paulin (D-88, White Plains). 

“This legislation is critical because it will mean that children with eosinophilic esophagitis will no longer have to use an invasive feeding tube simply because that is the only method their insurance company covers,” said Paulin in the press release. “ I thank Senator Ball for continuing his work to get this bill passed again in the Senate. I urge my fellow colleagues in the Assembly for their support to help those children whose families cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost of oral formula to finally have access to it.”

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