Special Health Programs

Health insurance options for uninsured New Yorkers
New York State is committed to expanding quality health care coverage to uninsured New Yorkers. Governor George E. Pataki proposed and signed into law important legislation that has increased the availability of comprehensive health insurance coverage for New York’s uninsured workers and their families.

Remember, HMOs are required by law to offer HMO/POS coverage to individuals at all times during the year.

This section of the Guide presents three programs designed especially for uninsured New Yorkers and their families.

• Healthy NY (coverage for small businesses and the working uninsured) is a unique program designed to provide health insurance to small employers, sole proprietors and uninsured working individuals. The program offers a standardized health insurance benefit package that is made more affordable through State sponsorship.
  
  
• Child Health Plus (coverage for children) is a health insurance plan for children who are under the age of 19. The monthly premium varies depending on family income and family size.
  
  
• Family Health Plus (coverage for adults and families) is a health insurance program for adults between the ages of 19-64 who are uninsured but have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid. The Medicaid program provides funding, with cost shared between Federal, State and local governments.