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Who cares
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Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Substituted by A9225
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.570
- Referred to insurance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Extends the provisions of chapter 447 of the laws of 2009
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Sheldon Silver
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6841
Title of bill
An act to amend chapter 447 of the laws of 2009, amending the insurance law relating to a health insurance demonstration program for independent workers, in relation to the effectiveness thereof
Purpose
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that independent workers continue to have access to group health insurance coverage.
Summary of specific provisions
This bill amend Chapter 447 of the Laws of 2009, which would extend, for one year, the demonstration program that authorized the Superintendent to approve an eligible insurance company to provide group health insurance coverage to independent workers.
Justification
In 2009, the New York State Legislature authorized a health insurance demonstration program for independent workers. Through this authorization, Freelancers Insurance Company (FIC) was formed to provide independent workers with high-quality, affordable, and portable health benefits. FIC provides stable and sustainable benefits to 25,000 of New York's vulnerable workers. In its role as New York's only social-purpose insurer, it develops innovative cost containment strategies that promote better quality care at more affordable premiums than anything else available on the market.
FIC insures vulnerable New Yorkers; independent workers are far more likely to be uninsured than traditional employees and they often have no affordable health insurance options. Two-thirds of FIC's subscribers were previously uninsured or on COBRA, most earn under $50,000 per year, and no one is denied coverage based on their medical history. Coverage is nearly one-third cheaper than comparable plans in the individual insurance market.
While the Affordable Care Act promises to expand insurance options for many New Yorkers, FIC will continue to play a crucial role for working New Yorkers well beyond 2014. Particularly for independent workers who will not benefit from subsidies, FIC offers premiums well below the prices available on the individual market, bringing health insurance within reach for many working families. Extending the demonstration program beyond 2013 will ensure that those New Yorkers currently covered under FIC will be able to keep their coverage if they wish to do so.
Legislative history
Program established by A.7949-A (Silver)/S.4602-A (Breslin), Chapter 447 of the Laws of 2009
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.