If you do not receive health insurance from your employer, a spouse or parent’s employer, through a union, or other trade organization and do not qualify for public programs like Medicare, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid, you can purchase health insurance via one of these options.
NY Bridge Plan
New York State’s health insurance plan for people with pre-existing medical conditions. This plan was created as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and will exist until January 2014. Eligible individuals must meet the following criteria:
• Are legal U. S.residents.
• Reside in New York State.
• Have one or more pre-existing medical conditions.
• Have not had health care coverage for the last six months.
NY Individual Health Plans
Anyone in New York can purchase insurance directly from individual private health insurers. The rates vary by county. Each health insurance company offers two versions of their plan: HMO-less expensive plans where you must remain in-network (see only providers who take that plan) or POS (Point of Service)-you are free to see both in-network and out-of-network providers.
Healthy New York
A lower-cost health insurance plan available to individuals, sole-proprietors, and small-businesses. Individuals must be working or have worked in the past year and earn less than $2,257 each month. There is an annual cap on prescription medications of $3,000 so enrollees taking MS disease modifying therapies or other expensive medications will need to find assistance in paying for these treatments.
Freelancers Union
If you are a freelancer, sole proprietor independent contractor, consultant, temporary worker, or are self-employed, or employed part-time you may be eligible for health insurance with the freelancers union.