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
If enacted, A08850 would amend existing provisions in the insurance law directly affecting consumer access to health insurance. The introduction of a special enrollment period could significantly impact how consumers navigate health insurance options, particularly for those who may face sudden loss of coverage. This ensures that individuals are not left vulnerable during transitions between insurance plans, aligning with broader healthcare goals of maintaining continuity of care for patients. The bill also stipulates that insurance contracts must reflect these amendments, broadening protections for consumers navigating healthcare decisions.
Summary
Bill A08850 aims to amend New York's insurance law to establish a new special open enrollment period for consumers under specific circumstances. This initiative is designed to provide consumers the opportunity to select a new health insurance plan when their existing healthcare provider contract is terminated through no fault of their own. The bill emphasizes the importance of continuity of care, enabling individuals to maintain relationships with their healthcare providers without disruption in their coverage. Importantly, the proposed law ensures that consumers will not incur fees or penalties for enrolling during this special period, and their coverage will commence within fourteen days of selection.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may arise from stakeholders who argue about its implications on insurance providers' operations and the potential for increased costs. Insurers might contend that an increased frequency of enrollment periods could lead to higher administrative burdens or adverse selection, where only those with immediate healthcare needs seek coverage during these windows. Moreover, critics might raise concerns about the implementation logistics and the overall financial impacts on the state's healthcare system if such provisions result in an uptick in enrollment without corresponding adjustments in funding or resources.
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.