Allows for a new special open enrollment period to choose a new health insurance plan for consumers in certain instances to allow for continuity of care with an existing health care provider.
Impact
The implications of S08124 could be substantial for New York's insurance landscape. By creating a new special enrollment option, the bill seeks to alleviate the burden on consumers who may otherwise find themselves without coverage due to no fault of their own. This change is poised to enhance consumer protection and potentially improve health outcomes for those affected. It would also amend existing provisions in the insurance law to better reflect current healthcare realities, ensuring that state regulations align with the needs of consumers in a changing health environment.
Summary
Bill S08124, introduced by Senator Ashby, aims to amend the insurance law in New York by establishing a mechanism for a special open enrollment period under certain circumstances. Specifically, this bill allows consumers to choose a new health insurance plan without facing penalties or fees if their current healthcare contract is severed involuntarily. This provision is particularly significant as it seeks to ensure continuity of care between consumers and their existing healthcare providers, thus addressing critical health needs and promoting consumer stability in health coverage.
Contention
Discussions regarding S08124 may involve varying opinions on the balance of regulatory oversight and consumer autonomy. Advocates may argue that this bill is a proactive step toward safeguarding consumer rights, particularly in navigating transitions in healthcare coverage. Conversely, critics might express concerns regarding the adequacy of the provisions and whether they truly address the complexities of the insurance system. This debate will likely center around the effectiveness of such enrollment periods in practical situations, especially in ensuring consumers are not left vulnerable during transitions.
Same As
Allows for a new special open enrollment period to choose a new health insurance plan for consumers in certain instances to allow for continuity of care with an existing health care provider.
Provides expanded enrollment through New York state of health through tax returns (Part A); allows for enrollment through the New York state of health at any time for first-time enrollees; expands New York state of health navigator program (Part B); creates the New York health benefit and cost commission (Part C); establishes New York health care savings accounts to expand and incentivize purchasing private health insurance (Part D).
Directs the department of civil service to collect and analyze health care claims data from the Empire Plan or its successor to develop a New York state health benefit plan pricing report; provides that such report shall include a comparative analysis of actual hospital in-network allowed amounts and out-of-network allowed amounts for each hospital facility located in the state of New York; specifies service categories.
Directs the department of civil service to collect and analyze health care claims data from the Empire Plan or its successor to develop a New York state health benefit plan pricing report; provides that such report shall include a comparative analysis of actual hospital in-network allowed amounts and out-of-network allowed amounts for each hospital facility located in the state of New York; specifies service categories.
Allows homeless youth to give effective consent to certain medical, dental, health, and hospital services; provides for insurance coverage of such health care services consented to by such youth.
Allows homeless youth to give effective consent to certain medical, dental, health, and hospital services; provides for insurance coverage of such health care services consented to by such youth.
Relates to public health emergency allowances against sentences for certain incarcerated individuals; allows up to twelve months of public health emergency allowances to be given to incarcerated individuals during a public health crisis.
Relates to the designation of an independent consumer assistance program to assist consumers with the filing of complaints and appeals, track problems, educate consumers, assist uninsured, insured, or underinsured consumers in accessing appropriate health care services, assist with enrollment and provide other health insurance assistance.