Yesterday Governor Spitzer signed legislation to provide access to low-cost health insurance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers under the Family Health Plus plan. Under the new law, private employers and Taft-Hartley funds will be given the option of participating in the State’s Family Health Plus insurance program, which is currently available only to New Yorkers who meet income eligibility requirements and who lack other coverage. By allowing employers to offer employees the low-cost Family Health Plus insurance plan, the State will ensure that more New Yorkers have access to affordable health insurance. For those employers who opt into the program, the State will pay a portion of the insurance premium for eligible employees. By sharing in the cost of insurance for these employees, the State will make it easier for employers to offer health care coverage without making these businesses uncompetitive. In his Press Release, Governor Spitzer said,
Rising health care costs are making it harder and harder for businesses to offer employee health care coverage, putting an increased burden on individuals and the State to pick up the tab. This agreement sets up a public-private partnership that will result in more people being insured at a lower cost to themselves, to employers and, ultimately, to the state.
The Legislation was also applauded by the Retail Council of the State of New York. President and CEO James R. Sherin remarked,
There are small and independent retailers throughout New York State who want to provide health care coverage for their employees, but they’ve been priced out of the market. Creating and expanding employer partnerships for Family Health Plus responds directly to that concern and looks for ways to help those employers attract and retain the employees they need. We applaud the bill and look forward to working with the Governor and the State Legislature to spread the word to retailers across the state.
For Additional information on the Family Health Plus plan, Click Here.
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