On July 29, at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Governor Patterson signed into law three new Governor’s Program bills that according the New York State Health Department will make health insurance more affordable and improve access to health care for New Yorkers.  The new group health benefits to new york residents are as follow:

1. The first bill extends the period of time for COBRA coverage from 18 to 36 months (Hopefully layoffs will begin to slow and no one reading this article will have to deal with Cobra.  But if you are laid off understand that your former employer is now obligated to offer you COBRA for 36 months).
2. The second bill permits families to cover their young adult dependents through age 29 under their job-based insurance (Parents concerned about their mid-twenties child’s health care can now cover that child till 29.  However, that child must be considered a dependent for tax purposes).
3. The third enacts a series of managed care reforms to make health insurance work better for consumers and permit timely access to necessary health services.

The first and second of these three bills have a direct, tangible affect on the group health benefits employees receive.  It is important to stay abreast of benefit changes such as these.  Do not a assume that your Employee Services department will be aware of  such increases in benefits.  If you have questions be sure to contact your Employer Services department for answers. 

None of these three bills are the answer to the American Health Care issue and the first two bills only place more pressure on US small business owners.  But to the individual consumer these are relevant mandatory increases in benefits.

“If you’d like to talk about your Insurance Risk, contact me today. We can talk about your exposure, and begin our relationship!” 

Thank you, 

Ryan H. 

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