New York Republican Gov. George Pataki has vetoed a measure opposed by insurance groups that would have required carriers to provide no-fault auto insurance benefits for drunk drivers' emergency medical treatment.

The governor's action came late Tuesday night only hours before a midnight deadline for a veto.

Sponsored by Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope, the measure was opposed by the New York Insurance Association and American Insurance Association, who said its effect would be to raise rates for good drivers.

"Auto insurance does not cover injuries resulting from illegal, intentional acts, whether they result from drag racing or driving drunk," said Bernard Bourdeau, president of the Albany, N.Y-based NYIA.

Mr. Bourdeau said the measure had been pushed by emergency room doctors, hospitals and medical providers who are required under state law to provide treatment to the injured, but want to ensure they will be paid for providing emergency care.

Insurers take the position, Mr. Bourdeau said, that while they are sympathetic to physicians, when it comes to recovering treatment costs from drunk drivers, his organization feels that doctors who want payment "should go dunning them."

"Expanding auto insurance coverage to include the costs of injuries drunk drivers inflict on themselves not only would result in higher auto insurance rates, but also signal that we believe people who drive while drunk do not have to pay for their own misdeeds," said Mr. Bourdeau.

"These irresponsible individuals should be required to make financial restitution to the hospital, physicians and other providers for services rendered," he added.

Gary Henning, assistant vice president, northeast region for the Washington-based AIA, said the vetoed legislation "would have compelled insurers and honest policyholders to subsidize benefits for drivers committing an illegal act."

Mr. Bourdeau said at this point he has heard no talk of an attempt to override Mr. Pataki's veto. Sen. Bonacic's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Special Reports /

N.Y. Gov. Nixes Drunk Driver Med Coverage Bill

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