Southampton - Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said that a bill he co-sponsored that provides freedom of choice to consumers who have coverage
for prescribed drugs as part of their health insurance was signed into law by the Governor.

The bill prohibiting insurers from requiring the use of mail-order pharmacies proved quite controversial, generating heated debate on both sides.

S3510, now law, allows consumers to purchase prescription drugs from their local pharmacy despite an insurance company policy mandating a purchase from a specific mail order pharmacy.

"This legislation provides consumers with a choice," Senator LaValle said, "as well as increased safety. I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing this legislation into law."

"When consumers purchase prescribed drugs from his or her neighborhood pharmacist, that pharmacist is familiar with his or her medical history," Senator LaValle said and added that "many consumers, especially senior citizens, rely on their local pharmacist for the service that they provide with respect to monitoring the regimen of drugs that they take. A mandate of purchase by mail denies them of this important service and confidence."