New York State Health Insurance Programs

The New York State Insurance Department regulates and supervises all insurance business in the state including all health insurance programs. The New York State Department of Health oversees all of the individual programs to make sure that the health needs are met for all of their residents regardless of income or health status.

Child Health Plus

• Child Health Plus is a health insurance program for children in low income families or who do not have health insurance coverage who reside in New York state. Children under the age of 19 are eligible for the program if they ineligible for benefits under Medicare or the New York State's public employees health plan. Participants are given a list of health care providers to choose from. The plan provides benefits such as well-child care, immunizations, emergency care, hospitalization and prescription drugs. The program also covers dental and vision care as well as x-rays, lab tests and treatment for injuries and illnesses. Children belonging to families with incomes under the poverty level receive this coverage for free, and other families pay monthly fees according to their income level.

Healthy NY

• New York state small business owners, sole proprietors and uninsured working individuals have access to the Healthy NY, a reduced-cost health insurance program. Sole proprietors and individuals must meet income guidelines to be eligible for this coverage as well as have New York State resident status and not be eligible for coverage under Medicare or an employer. Residents must be uninsured for 12 months prior to applying for this coverage or have lost health insurance due to a specified event such as losing employment or leaving the workforce. Healthy NY applicants can choose from one of four plans and can get optional prescription coverage as well as high deductible plans. New York state small business owners with less than 50 employees can offer employees health insurance through the Healthy NY program.

HIV Uninsured Care Programs

• New York State residents with HIV infection may receive health benefits under the HIV uninsured care programs if they do not have coverage under a health insurance program or if the existing coverage does not provide for all of their medical needs. The HIV Home Care Program provides home care services such as skilled nursing, intravenous therapy administration and durable medical equipment to individuals who are chronically medically dependent. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program gives free medications to people with HIV/AIDS as well as free primary care services at chosen hospital outpatient departments, office-based doctors and clinics. The Insurance Continuation Program helps participants with the costs of continuing health insurance through employer-sponsored programs, individual policies and COBRA.