New benefit program introduced for 9/11 survivors

The Associated Press

1:20 PM EDT, April 21, 2008

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A new benefit program is being offered for people still struggling with the effects of the World Trade Center attack, the New York City Health Department said Monday.

The program will reimburse out-of-pocket costs for mental health or substance-use treatment through a claims process similar to any insurance benefit, the department said.

The American Red Cross offered a similar program to some people affected by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks who enrolled before the end of 2006. The Health Department is making the new program retroactive to Jan. 2, 2007, to provide continuity of coverage.

New York City residents, and city workers, can find out if they're eligible by calling "311" or visiting the agency's Web site.

The benefit covers out-of-pocket costs for outpatient mental health and substance-use services, medication, laboratory work and psychological evaluations. Outreach and enrollment will be managed by the Mental Health Association of New York City, a private, not-for-profit organization that works to change attitudes about mental illnesses.

"Sept. 11 was very traumatic for people," said Dr. David Rosin, the Health Department's executive deputy commissioner for mental hygiene.

"Cost concerns shouldn't deter those still struggling from getting the care and treatment they need to overcome depression, anxiety, or dependence on alcohol or drugs associated with the attacks," said Rosin. "If you're receiving eligible services and don't have other coverage, we can help." Besides the new reimbursement program, three World Trade Center Centers of Excellence offer free, integrated physical and mental health care to eligible patients. Those programs are located at Bellevue Hospital Center and Gouverneur Healthcare Services in Manhattan, and at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens.

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