Increasing Access to Healthy New York
Issue Overview: The state's Healthy NY program offers streamlined, yet comprehensive health insurance. Its benefit package, combined with State funding, has created more affordable health insurance coverage. Small businesses and sole proprietors wishing to purchase Healthy NY must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate.
NFIB Position: We support expanding this program to allow more small businesses to take advantage of this bare-bones health insurance program.
Issue Status: Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Morelle and Senator Jim Alesi (A.395A/S.6385A) that would amend the Health Care Reform Act to include more small businesses within the definition of a qualifying small employer by removing the requirement that a small business must not have offered health insurance for a twelve month period prior to the application to the group health insurance program, Healthy New York, has passed both houses and awaits action by Gov. Paterson. NFIB/New York is urging the governor to approve this important bill which would increase small business access to affordable health insurance.
