Albany, NY, Jun 29, 2012 — New York's politicians and major health care providers are applauding the Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Obama's health care law. Meanwhile, an Albany Law School expert says Chief Justice John Roberts may have been concerned about his legacy, and that was a factor in his decision. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Washington, DC, May 02, 2012 — The 2012 Farm Bill passed through the Senate Agriculture Committee last week, much more quickly than insiders had expected. The bill cuts agriculture spending by $23 billion, by getting rid of program that pays some farmers simply for growing commodities, things like corn, wheat, and soy. Instead of sending farmers a direct payment, it will spend more money subsidizing their crop insurance. Some New York farm leaders say the shift will be good for New York farmers. But critics say the crop insurance is just another handout to big corporate farms.
Julie Grant reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 23, 2012 — As part of the federal health care act backed by President Obama, approved by Congress and before the U.S. Supreme Court next week, states are required to set up health insurance "exchanges." This creates the health care plans that will be available to the uninsured, who will be required to purchase them when the act is fully implemented.

Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to set up New York's exchange as part of the state budget agreement. But Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos says there's too much uncertainty to create now. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 08, 2012 — The Cuomo Administration is cracking down on insurance companies and health care providers who stick patients with unexpected out of network service bills. In Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Sep 08, 2011 — State officials are urging homeowners and businesses to get the ball rolling on filing insurance claims following Tropical Storm Irene.

Benjamin Lawsky is superintendent of New York's Banking Department, which will become the state Department of Financial Services following an October merger with the state's Insurance Department. He was in Essex County Wednesday to meet with elected officials and survey damage left behind by Irene's wake.

State Senator Betty Little was also there to update town officials on steps she's taking to alleviate the financial burden that's been heaped upon flood victims.  Go to full article

Sep 22, 2010 — Essex County now faces a budget deficit next year that could top 9 million dollars. That's ten percent of the county's budget that still needs to be paid for.

The soaring costs are being blamed on scheduled pay increases for county workers, rising utility coasts, and the cost of operating the Horace Nye nursing home in Elizabethtown.

The latest blow came this week, when the Board of Supervisors announced that health insurance costs could rise by as much as 46%.

Brian Mann spoke about the budget crunch with Randy Douglas. He's town supervisor in Jay and serves as county chair.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Mar 22, 2010 — There were competing health care rallies in Plattsburgh over the weekend, aimed at swaying Democratic congressman Bill Owens. But in the end Owens and Glens Falls Democrat Scott Murphy voted in favor of the fiercely debated overhaul plan approved last night. As Brian Mann reports, their decision to support President Obama's health care bill is already drawing praise and criticism.  Go to full article

Mar 19, 2009 — Health insurance advocates in the northern Adirondacks say the number of people living without medical coverage is holding steady at around 12%. The Tri-Lakes Uninsured Task Force has been working for seven years to connect more locals with low-cost insurance plans and government programs. But as Brian Mann reports, a new study found hotspots in the region where far more families lack basic coverage.  Go to full article

Feb 05, 2009 — State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is threatening to sue an upstate health-care company that allegedly inflated patient fees. When seeing out-of-network doctors, according to the AG's office, a capitol district insurer charged patients more for treatment but paid physicians much less for their services. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Apr 28, 2008 — In the Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondacks, one in ten adults lives without health insurance. That's actually better than the national average. Beginning today in Keene Valley, a regional task-force of businesses and health care providers will try to register more people for state programs like Family Health Plus.
Brian Mann spoke about the project with Ann Morgan, head of the Tri-Lakes Uninsured Task Force.

A schedule of insurance workshops:

* Monday, April 28th from 4-7 p.m., Keene Central Schools, Cafeteria

* Tuesday, April 29th, 4-7 p.m., Tupper Lake Central Schools, LP Quinn Cafeteria

* Wednesday, April 30th, 4-7 p.m., Lake Placid Central Schools, Elementary School Cafeteria

* Thursday, May 1st, 4-7 p.m., Saranac Lake Central Schools, Petrova School Cafeteria

* Tuesday, May 6th, 4-7 p.m., Wilmington Health Center

* Thursday, May 8th, 5-7 p.m., Bloomingdale School Cafeteria  Go to full article