NYS Health Benefits Exchange

Hello!  I was recently contacted by a volunteer involved in the New York State Health Benefits Exchange which will provide affordable health insurance for the under-insured and uninsured.  They are reaching out to artist organizations in an effort to help get the word out about the upcoming exchange program.  Access to affordable health insurance is a huge issue for the animation community.

Much of the information I provide here is taken directly from the NYS Health Benefits Exchange website.  Please bookmark and refer to that site for more information.

NYS will be setting up an organized marketplace (Exchange) designed to help people shop for and enroll in health insurance coverage.   Individuals, families and small businesses will be able to use the Exchange to help them compare commercial insurance options, calculate costs and select coverage online, in person, over the phone or by mail.  The Exchange will also help people to check their eligibility for health care programs like Medicaid and sign up for these programs if they are eligible. The Exchange will also be able to tell what type of financial assistance is available to applicants to help them afford health insurance purchased through the Exchange.  Insurance coverage can be purchased through the Health Benefit Exchange beginning in October 2013 and will be effective January 1, 2014.

Individuals & Families Fact Sheet

Information for Small Business Owners

UPDATE:

The Actors Fund is holding informational seminars on the new Health Care Reform changes.  See their website for dates and times.  http://www.actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/workshops/health-care-reform-small-businesses-and-sole-proprietors