Advocates around the state are gearing up for what is shaping up to be a very interesting conversation on just what New York’s insurance Exchange should look like.

As many of you already know, the Affordable Care Act requires states to set up Health Benefit Exchanges – web and phone -accessible marketplaces where people and businesses can go to find and enroll into health insurnace, public programs, and apply for subsidies. 

The State is responsible for establishing an Exchange, and in New York, talks are now beginning to take shape on what it should look like.  Consumer advocates like HCFANY want to see a secure marketplace where all consumers, regardless of age, race, gender, or health status can obtain a quality plan at an affordable price [Click here to read our 5 Standards for the New York State Insurance Exchange].

Yet, there are others out there who want to use the Exchange as a means to favor the healthy and wealthy.  The Albany Times Union featured an op-ed today from the conservative Manhattan Institute, which proposes that policymakers give uninsured New Yorkers more insurance choices by way of introducing flimsy, high-risk insurance products geared towards the healthy and wealthy into the market.  Further, they propose to force older New Yorkers to pay more in order to lower costs for everyone else. 

 But, is this really the best solution? We beg to differ.  HCFANY has sent in a letter to the editor in response to this op-ed, which we hope will make the cut.  We’ll keep you posted, so stay tuned…