GNYHA is working with the Healthcare Association of NYS and the other hospital associations in the State, the Spitzer Administration, and key legislators on payer reform legislation in Albany. Discussions are focusing on several bills introduced by Senator Kemp Hannon (R) and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D), as well as proposals put forward by the Governor that, among other things, clarify that insurers should not deny payment after services are performed if they had preauthorized those services. GNYHA believes that if a patient and a provider rely upon a pre-authorization from an insurance company, the prior approval should mean a guarantee of payment for the service. The hospital associations are hoping for action before the Legislature leaves for the year later this month.