New York State Health Exchange

On August 20, 2013, The State Health Commission of New York, Dr. Nirav R. Shah announced the official name of the New York Health Benefit Exchange Marketplace and many of health plans to be offered.  “NY State of Health will be the official market place for individuals and small groups in New York State to purchase health and dental plans under Obama-care also known as the Affordable Care Act.  On October 1, 2013, NY State of Health will begin enrolling for the January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 coverage period.

Health plan options to be offered by “NY State of Health” included individual and small group plans from the following health insurance companies:

• Affinity Health Plan
• America  Progressive Life & Health Insurance Co of New York
• Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP)
• Emblem Health – Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York.
• Empire Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Fidelis Care
• Frrelancers Co-Op
• Healthfirst
• Independent Health
• MetroPlus Health Plan
• MVP Health Plan
• Nothshore LIJ
• United Healthcare of New York, Inc. (United, Oxford)

Plans will be offered in four tiers (platinum, gold, silver and bronze).  All plans sold on the “NY State of Health” Marketplace will cover doctor’s visits; hospital stays; emergency care; maternity & newborn care;  mental health services; prescription drugs; rehabilitative care, laboratory testing; preventative and chronic disease care; etc.   Deductibles, co-insurance and co-pay amounts will vary by tier selected. Individuals and families with incomes below certain levels ($45,960 for individuals and $94,200 for a family of four are eligible for financial assistance in the form of federal tax credits which are only available through “NY State of Health”.  Federal tax credits limit the amount a person pays for insurance each month.  Monthly payments will be significantly below the cost of buying insurance in today’s marketplace.  Individuals cannot be excluded because of laps in previous coverage and prior medical conditions.  For more information, visit the NY State of Health website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.