As the lead consumer coalition fighting for quality, affordable health care for all New Yorkers and a supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), HCFANY is working hard to ensure that New York State establishes a Basic Health Program (BHP). A BHP would make health care coverage much more affordable to low-income consumers below 200 percent of the federal poverty level than is available under the new health insurance marketplace, the New York State of Health.

New York’s state-run website, the New York State of Health, is showing early signs of success, with almost 50,000 fully enrolled in new health care plans as of mid-November. But, many low-income New Yorkers may be unable to afford the premiums and out of pocket costs for health plans in the new state marketplace, even with a subsidy.

Luckily, the ACA provides a solution: states have the option to create a Basic Health Program for those making just above the Medicaid level: $25,975 to $39,060 for a family of three. A BHP will have no or a minimal monthly premium and very low out-of-pocket costs. And, the plans are mandated to have essential health benefits, just like marketplace plans, ensuring quality coverage for low and moderate income consumers.

Sign on to HCFANY’s letter to the Governor about the Basic Health Plan

To make sure New York takes advantage of this opportunity to make health care reform more affordable to low-income people, we are inviting organizations to sign on to a letter urging the Governor to propose the creation of a Basic Health Program (BHP) in his upcoming Executive Budget.

This is more than a health care issue – it’s about making sure working families in New York have financial stability. Help us make sure that New York provides this affordable option to New Yorkers who need it!

Make sure to respond by close of business on Monday, December 9th.