New York Health Insurance Continuation Assistance Demonstration Program, (the “COBRA Bill”) was signed into law September 21, by New York Governor George Pataki and became effective November 20, 2004. The first of its kind legislation will provide a 50% subsidy for those members whose income qualifies them, to assist in paying for COBRA extended health insurance premiums.
The New York Health Care Coalition, a group of over 25 arts and entertainment unions and organizations, with the active participation of AFTRA, and spearheaded by the Actors Fund, began work on the bill over four years ago.
Twice passed by the New York legislature, and once vetoed by Governor. Pataki, the new law assists members whose earnings fall below health plan qualification levels and who want to extend participation in the AFTRA Health Plan through COBRA premiums. This will provide significant assistance in the payment of those premiums for a period of up to one year.
Here's how it works:
Beginning in January 2005, this program will assist eligible entertainment industry employees with the payment of their COBRA continuation insurance premiums. The New York State Insurance Department’s Health Bureau is responsible for the administration of this program.
To be eligible for this program, a person must meet the following requirements:
(1) Be a resident of New York state;
(2) be eligible for, or already covered by, COBRA / continuation coverage through a collectively bargained plan covering entertainment industry employees;
(3) not already be receiving continuation assistance via the Department of Health COBRA premium subsidy program;
(4) not be eligible for Medicare;
(5) not be eligible for employer sponsored coverage; and
(6) must meet the household income limitation of the program.
The entertainment industry employee must apply to the New York State Insurance Department for the premium subsidy.
The application for (and explanation of) the New York State COBRA Continuation Assistance Program is now available on the AHIRC website. It will soon be available on the Insurance Department website.
Hardcopy applications are also available in the 10th and 11th Floor waiting rooms at The Actors’ Fund located at 729 Seventh Avenue in New York. For other Actors' Fund locations, click here.
Questions about the program should be directed to the Insurance Department representatives at (800) 342-3736, or a more direct line at (518) 474-6600.
The COBRA Assistance Premium Law - Bill text>>
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