The season of giving is coming early for many New Yorkers seeking hospital care this year. As of last month, amendments to New York’s Hospital Financial Assistance Law (HFAL) will make it easier to apply for and cover more patients under financial assistance programs. The HFAL, also known as Manny’s Law, was implemented in 2006 […]
Every September, healthcare providers see a rise in asthma-related hospitalizations. The third week of September is known as Asthma Peak Week; ragweed levels—a common fall pollen allergy—are peaking, mold counts are increasing as leaves start to fall, children are catching respiratory infections as they go back to school, and flu season is just beginning. Proper […]
New Yorkers anticipating health insurance premiums in the individual market will facedisappointing developments in 2025. The latest data shows that individual market ratesare expected to increase by an average of 13 percent next year. Insurance carriers initiallyrequested a 17 percent average rate surge for 2025, but through New York’s prior approvalprocess, the Department of Financial […]
New York’s individual market premiums might increase by up to 17 percent in 2025. New York’s twelve individual market carriers are requesting increases ranging from 9 percent by MVP to a shocking 51 percent by Emblem. These requested increases far surpass requests from carriers in other states. In our comments, HCFANY breaks down why DFS […]
New York’s individual market insurance carriers plan to increase premiums by an average of 17% in 2025. This month, consumers have the opportunity to weigh in to make our voices heard. The State already approved premium increases of over 14% on average in 2024, another 17% would make health insurance out of reach for many […]
New York State of Health (NYSOH) has included several exciting new initiatives in its 2025 Plan Invitation. Though some of the initiatives are subject to federal approval, HCFANY is thrilled about the improvements to the quality and affordability of health insurance plans offered on the NYSOH marketplace. Here are some key wins for consumers:
Health Care for All New York is delighted that the new budget deal includes key HCFANY legislative agenda items, including: the reform of our State’s broken Hospital Financial Assistance Law (HFAL); the elimination of cost-sharing for insulin; a program to provide enhanced subsidies to help offset the costs or premiums of cost-sharing in the Marketplace; and […]
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) Maternal Mortality Review Board has released a new report, providing a detailed review of maternal deaths across the state between 2018 and 2020. Here are the findings: Overall, the prevalence of maternal mortality in New York State remains below the national average; however, racial disparities in maternal […]
The One-House Budgets are released! The Senate One-House Budget includes a significant portion of the HCFANY policy agenda, building on the Governor’s proposals in the Executive Budget. We’re still studying what is included in each bill, here’s what we know so far: Good news: the Senate and Assembly One-House Budgets both: Even better, the Senate One-House Budget improves on […]
HCFANY is grateful to have had the opportunity to testify at the 2024 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Health. Our detailed written comments are linked here. The Executive Budget includes many positive proposals that will help protect consumers from medical debt and enhance their ability to access affordable health coverage, including: In addition to addressing these […]
Today, Governor Hochul delivered her 2024 ‘State of the State’ address. HCFANY commends the governor for proposing sweeping protections for consumers and patients across the state. HCFANY advocacy goals are prominently featured among the governor’s proposals, including: Medical Debt HCFANY commends the governor for her continued commitment to protecting the over 700,000 New Yorkers that […]
New Yorkers bracing for health insurance premiums in the individual market are in for some unwelcome news as we look ahead to 2024. According to the latest data, individual market rates are set to surge by an average of 12.4 percent next year. Health plans had initially requested a whopping 22.1 percent average rate hike […]
HCFANY worked hard to further a series of important priorities during this year’s budget and legislative session. Read below for a review of what consumers won this legislative session and what remains a priority on the HCFANY policy agenda. Medical Debt Over 54,000 New Yorkers were sued by hospitals between 2015 and 2020, and nearly […]
New York’s individual market premiums might increase by up to 20.4 percent in 2024. New York’s twelve individual market carriers are requesting increases ranging from 13.3 percent by MVP to a shocking 52.8 percent by Emblem. These requested increases far surpass requests from carriers in other states. Carriers in Washington and Michigan are proposing increases […]
By Heidi Siegfried, Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) The Affordable Care Act increased the income eligibility level for adults without disabilities to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1,563 a month) in 2012. Despite this change, Michael Howard, a 40-year-old man with a mild intellectual developmental learning disability, whose income […]
Guest post by Ben Anderson, Director of Health Policy at Children’s Defense Fund-New York. The New York State Department of Health (SDOH) is embarking on a “First 1000 Days on Medicaid” initiative that aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from across sectors that touch the lives of young children. The stakeholders include […]
Follow up on blog posted December 30, 2016. Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Senate Minority Leader, Charles E. Schumer (NY), and House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (CA) have called for a national day of action titled, “Our First Stand: Save Health Care,” this Sunday, January 15 to oppose any cuts to health care, and particularly Medicare […]
Two weeks ago, children’s health advocates from across the country came together in Washington, DC for the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families Annual Conference. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for national and state advocates to share their experiences and learn from one another. This year’s conference theme was “Clear Skies […]