Albany – Hannah Devane’s life became a bit easier this week when the bill that bears her name was passed by both the New York State Assembly and Senate.

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-88th District) spearheaded the effort to get “Hannah’s Law” (A0490) passed in the Assembly earlier this week. This legislation requires insurance companies to cover the cost of formulas that are deemed medically necessary for the treatment of conditions such as eosinophilic espohagitis.

The Senate passed its version of the bill (S2287), which was sponsored by Greg Ball (R-Patterson), on Wednesday.

Devane is an eight-year-old Yorktown girl who suffers from eosinophilic espohagitis, a potentially fatal condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus making it nearly impossible to eat. This law would allow Devane and others who suffer from similar conditions to take medication orally without having to use a feeding tube. The burden on families whose insurance companies don’t cover such medications can cost more than $12,000 a year.

“This legislation is critical because it will mean children like Hannah will no longer have to use an invasive feeding tube simply because it is the only method the insurance company covers,” Paulin said. “Children who suffer from these types of diseases already have a difficult time. Why needlessly make their lives and the lives of their family members more traumatic?

“I am thrilled that we were able to get this passed in both the Assembly and the Senate. I thank Senator Ball for his work in passing this legislation. I am very happy that my colleagues in the Assembly voted to help those children whose families cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost of oral formula to finally have access to it.”