New York Health Insurance Options

Are you new in New York and at a loss in applying for a New York health insurance coverage? New York offers you a wide selection of individual plans, self-employed health insurance coverage, and state-subsidized health care programs.

Each state is governed by its own state laws. The good news is, that New York is one of the few states that have generous health insurance guidelines. New York health insurance is community-rated. Your premium rate is not dependent on your gender, on your age or even your health condition. You also cannot be denied coverage due to the reasons stated. Members are protected against losing their policy due to an illness.

If you have a pre-existing condition, you cannot be denied coverage. But there’s a pre-existing condition exclusion period that can range from 6 months to a year. You will have coverage except for services and treatment relating to your pre-existing condition. In line with the health care reform, New York has established the NY Bridge Plan. This healthcare program takes care of residents with pre-existing conditions. It ensures that they can get coverage now while waiting for 2014 when all insurance providers will be prohibited from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. This plan is being offered by GHI and EmblemHealth. If you’re interested to know more about this plan, check the GHI website.

If you are self-employed or a small business owner, there are a lot of self-employed health plans available for you. You can apply in government health insurance plans like Healthy NY or apply for private health insurance. To apply for Healthy NY, there are eligibility requirements including an income limit which ranges depending on your family size. Check the Healthy NY website to find out how you could apply. If you are not eligible to apply for these plans, you can always check out self-employed medical insurance offered by private insurers. The following are most of the major health insurance carriers in NY state:

• Aetna
• Easy Choice
• CDPHP
• CIGNA
• Empire
• Group Health Incorporated (GHI)
• Guardian
• Health Net
• Health Now
• HIP
• Independent
• MVP
• Oxford
• United HealthCare
• Univera

Individuals who don’t have health insurance benefits from their employers can apply for state-subsidized health insurance plans like Family Health Plus or Healthy NY. As with any other government program, eligibility requirements apply. If you don’t qualify, you can always look into individual health plans. Choose a managed care health insurance plan that is within your financial capability.