HMO Options to Expand in 2009

The Joint Labor/Management Committees on Health Benefits (JLMC) have completed reviewing proposals submitted by HMOs for inclusion or continued participation in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). The Committee limited new requests for inclusion in NYSHIP, as well as expansion requests from those already participating, to six underserved counties in New York:  Chemung, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Schuyler, Steuben and Tompkins.

The Committee approved requests for all of the HMOs currently participating in NYSHIP to continue to be available in 2009.  The JLMC also approved requests from MVP to expand its service area to include St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, and from Preferred Care to expand its service area to include Steuben county. 

If you are enrolled in an HMO that will be making a benefit change for 2009, you will be sent a side-by-side benefit comparison by October 24^th.  HMOs making benefit changes include:  Aetna, Independent Health, MVP and Univera.

Premium rate information for 2009 is not yet available. Please review the rate flyer carefully as HMO premium contributions may increase significantly from one year to the next.