Helpful Web Sites
Brooklyn HealthWorks
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Group Health Inc. (GHI) and the New York State Department of Insurance, are pleased to offer
Brooklyn HealthWorks – a low-cost health insurance option for small businesses located in the borough of Brooklyn. Brooklyn HealthWorks has
two plan options – Brooklyn HealthWorks Total and Brooklyn HealthWorks Max. Both plans have monthly premiums well below the lowest
no-frills products currently available through health maintenance organizations (HMOs). In addition, Brooklyn HealthWorks does not require
patients to see gatekeeper physicians, which means referrals are not needed to see specialists within GHI's extensive tri-state provider network.
This network now exceeds 91,000 providers at more than 142,000 locations, including virtually all acute care hospitals in New York.
Child Health Plus
New York State has a health insurance plan for kids, called Child Health Plus. Depending on your family's income, your child may be eligible to join either
Children's Medicaid or
Child Health Plus. Both Children's Medicaid and Child Health Plus
are available through dozens of providers throughout the state.
Family Health Plus
A public health insurance program for adults who are aged 19 to 64 who have income or resources
too high to qualify for Medicaid. Family Health Plus is available to single adults, couples without children, and parents with limited income who are residents of
New York State and are United States citizens or fall under one of many immigration categories. Family Health Plus provides comprehensive coverage, including prevention,
primary care, hospitalization, prescriptions and other services. There are minimal co-payments for some Family Health Plus services. Health care is provided through
participating managed care plans in your area.
Federal Employee and Retiree Long Term Care Plan
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides long term care insurance to help pay for costs of care when enrollees need help with activities
they perform every day, or you have a severe cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease. Most Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants,
active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives are eligible to apply for insurance coverage under the FLTCIP.
Freelancers Union
Freelancers Union is a nonprofit organization that represents the needs of America's independent workforce though advocacy, information, and service.
Independent workers make up 30% of the nation's workforce. They are freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, contingent
employees, and the self-employed. Despite their contribution to America's economy, freelancers often left out of the social safety net. Most freelancers
can't access affordable insurance, are taxed more than traditional employees, and have limited access to protections such as unemployment insurance,
retirement plans, and unpaid wage claims. This is why the Freelancers Union is writing new rules for a new workforce.
Gay Men's Health Crisis
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against
AIDS. Their mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention,
treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, they will remain true to their heritage by fighting homophobia and
affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians.
Health Insurance Resource Center of The Actors Fund
The Health Insurance Resource Center (HIRC) has been connecting artists, craftspeople and entertainment industry workers around the country to health insurance and
affordable health care since 1998. Getting health insurance or finding quality medical care is a constant concern for anyone who is uninsured or who isn't covered
by an employer, union or government health plan. The Center identifies alternative routes to coverage and local resources for care for performers, visual artists,
stagehands, filmmakers, musicians, artisans, and other self-employed and episodic workers. With offices in New York and Los Angeles and a staff that is experienced
in health insurance and health care counseling, HIRC takes a multi-faceted approach to the problem of health care access.
Health Insurance Resource Center of New York State Insurance Department
The Health Insurance Resource Center is designed to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing health insurance for themselves and their families. The
center provides basic information on various types of health insurance plans available, and up to date information to evaluate and compare various health insurance
options and companies.
Health Pass NY
All HMOs in New York State offer the streamlined, yet comprehensive Healthy NY health insurance benefit packages to eligible businesses and individuals. Healthy
NY includes health benefits that cover essential health needs including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, maternity care, preventative
health services, diagnostic and x-ray services, and emergency services. Applicants may now choose a benefit package with a limited prescription drug benefit or a
benefit package without a prescription drug benefit.
Healthy NY
The Healthy NY program is designed to assist small business owners in providing their employees and their employees' families with the health insurance they need and
deserve. In addition, uninsured sole proprietors and workers whose employers do not provide health insurance may also purchase comprehensive coverage directly through
the Healthy NY program.
Healthy Access Database
An online tool to help make American health care consumers aware of all of the coverage options available to them. The Database contains information about private
health insurance coverage, as well as the many public and private programs available to Americans to help them obtain the medical care they need. Policymakers, the
media and other interested parties can also use the Database as a means of comparing health care coverage options for Americans on a state-by-state basis.
HICAP
The New York State Health Insurance Assistance Program - called HIICAP - is available to assist Medicare Beneficiaries with Part D questions. Their toll-free number
is 1-800-701-0501; please enter your zip code when prompted. In New York City, you will be directed to 311 - please tell the operator that you wish to speak with a
counselor from the HIICAP Program.
Insurance Help for the Seriously Ill and Their Caregivers
If you are seriously ill and/or are a caregiver of someone who is ill, this site will provide you with the comprehensive insurance information you need. New York State
residents, now more than ever, have quality health insurance options and the power to obtain affordable coverage and determine their medical treatments. Unfortunately,
during a time of illness, it may be difficult to navigate through the insurance system.
Interactive Consumer Guide to HMOs
In this Interactive Consumer Guide to HMOs you will find easy-to-read tables comparing HMO performance, historical complaint data, HMO premiums and tips on how
to choose an HMO.
LIA Health Alliance
The LIA Health Alliance is a Health Purchasing Cooperative (HPC) that is designed to increase insurer competition and significantly expand choices for small businesses
and their employees. It gives small businesses the same marketplace advantages enjoyed by large corporations. It is the first Alliance authorized by New York State.
MetroPlus
Provides managed care services to enrollees and providers in order to assure access to quality healthcare, health education and excellent customer services.
New York CityOffice of Citywide Health Insurance Access
As part of New York City's Human Resources Administration, the Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access (OCHIA) provides impartial guidance to working individuals
and small businesses in need of affordable health insurance. The mission of the Human Resources Administration's Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access (OCHIA)
is to expand access to health insurance for all New Yorkers. The office has two key priorities: first, to ensure that uninsured New Yorkers who are eligible for public
health insurance programs such as Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid are enrolled and, second, to expand access to affordable health insurance for the
City's small businesses, sole proprietors and working individuals.
NYC Health Insurance Services
As part of the citywide health insurance initiative, the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is involved in reducing the large number of
uninsured New Yorkers. The Bureau of Health Insurance Services (BHIS) under the Division of Health Care Access and Improvement, was created to expand the city's health
insurance enrollment capacity, maximize client choice regarding health plan and provider selection, and to promote health care utilization and preventive health behaviors.
New York State Partnership for Long Term Care
A unique program combining long-term care insurance and Medicaid Extended Coverage. Its purpose is to help New Yorkers financially prepare for the possibility of needing
nursing home care, home care or assisted living services someday. The program allows New Yorkers to protect some or all of their assets (resources), depending on the
insurance plan purchased, if their long-term care needs extend beyond the period covered by their private insurance policy.
NYS Public Employee and Retiree Long Term Care Insurance Plan
Learn more about your risk of needing long term care and the expense of long term care services. You can also find information on the impact caregiving has on families.