Healthy New York Program Updates

The following article provides information on Healthy New York from the NYS Department of Financial Services:

1. Excellus BCBS requires employees to work a minimum of 20 hours per week to be eligible for coverage. Effective immediately, this requirement will also apply to any new groups applying for Healthy NY (HNY).  As a result of this requirement, applicants will not be permitted to offer coverage to employees working fewer than 20 hours per week and Section F, Question 2 of the HNY group application must be marked “No” in order to be eligible for coverage.
2. Groups with HNY products are not permitted to have probationary periods for new hires and re-hires that exceed 45 days.  Any new groups applying for HNY may NOT elect a policy period exceeding 45 days (e.g., 90 days, first of the month following 60 days, first of the month after 30 days).  We will work with existing groups to update their probationary period on renewal.  
3. In order to be eligible for the HNY program, at least 30% of the small employer’s eligible employees must earn $43,000 or less in annual wages, and small employers must offer HNY to all employees who work 20 or more hours per week and earn $43,000 or less in annual wages. In addition, at least one employee who earns $43,000 or less annually must enroll in HNY.  Effective immediately, Excellus BCBS will require the NYS-45 and waiversOpen a PDF for any new groups applying for HNY coverage in order to verify that these requirements are met.

For more information on Healthy NY visit the NYS Department of Financial Services website or contact your broker or account consultant.