ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a cost-cutting measure that would empower the state and health insurance companies to deny low-income mental patients the specific anti-psychotic drugs their physicians say they need.
The measure would save $9 million in state funds in Cuomo's proposed $143 billion budget proposal. The administration says the measure will also better serve patients, end abuse and won't put patients or the public at risk.
Physicians would have to choose from 13 anti-psychotic drugs for Medicaid patients.
The Mental Health Association of New York says a physician should have final say over what is best to prescribe a patient.
Other advocates question the move after a new state gun control bill focuses on care of the mentally ill.
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