Jenifer Rajkumar, the assemblymember for Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Glendale, has gotten a bill through the state Legislature that officially adds ARFID to New York’s list of recognized eating disorders. Its passage was first reported by QNS. The bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk to be signed into law.
Once ARFID is on the state’s list, a set of laws that already govern eating disorders start applying to it too, per a press release cited by QNS: rules on insurance coverage, state educational campaigns, and state-directed treatment centers. The condition would fall under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the federal law that says health plans cannot cover mental health and substance use treatment more stingily than they cover surgery and other medical care.
Insurers would have a harder time treating ARFID care as optional or capping it more tightly than they would a physical illness.
ARFID was first classified in 2013. According to the press release, it is marked by “persistent limitations in food intake based on anxiety over adverse consequences from eating; sensory sensitivity; or lack of interest.” It often shows up alongside autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and other conditions. It is not driven by body dysmorphia. It has historically been waved off as “picky eating.” It is estimated to affect as much as 3 percent of the population, and the real figure may run higher because so few people get diagnosed.
Rajkumar wrote the bill after constituents came to her with what living with ARFID does to a household.
“When families came to me describing how ARFID was upending their lives, I knew I had to take action. ARFID is a real, serious eating disorder recognized by modern medicine, and I am making sure our laws reflect that reality,” Rajkumar said in a statement. “By passing my bill, we are affirming that New Yorkers living with ARFID are seen, understood, and supported. This is about replacing misunderstanding with awareness and ensuring that science, compassion, and common sense guide public policy.”
The bill, A9600A, drew 60 votes in favor and cleared on Thursday, June 4, according to QNS. State Senators Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Michael Gianaris, Jessica Ramos, Kristen Gonzalez and James Sanders Jr. were among those who backed it. Its Assembly cosponsors span much of the Queens delegation, including Linda B. Rosenthal, Andrew Hevesi, Steven Raga, Jessica González-Rojas, Claire Valdez, Catalina Cruz, Diana Moreno and Nily Rozic.
As of QNS’s report, the legislation was expected to go to Hochul for her signature.
