The starting date for the new program is January 1, 2001. All HMO's must offer this product. The insurance waives certain state health insurance mandates, including home health care and chiropractic care. The state Insurance Department is responsible for development of regulations implementing the new plan. The Department submitted regulations which were published in the September 27 New York State Register.
Many chambers have highly successful health insurance programs available to their membership.
We would see the Healthy New York program as another option that chambers could offer to their members. The regulations stipulate that new hires will be issued coverage as of the date of their hire. We pointed out that this is inconsistent with current practices and will impose administrative difficulties for many small businesses. The Business Council will be pursuing legislative correction. The Business Roundtable, based in Washington, D.C., recently unveiled a major proposal designed to reduce medical errors in the health-care system.