New York

Status of reform effort: Former Governor Spitzer has directed the Health Commissioner and the Insurance Superintendent to develop a comprehensive plan for universal health care that is scheduled to be recommended by May 31, 2008.

In July 2007, then Governor Eliot Spitzer (D) directed the Health Commissioner and the Insurance Superintendent to initiate the “Partnership For Coverage” to develop a comprehensive plan for universal health care in New York.  The group has been charged with studying the obstacles to health care in the current system and to develop, evaluate, and recommend a universal health care plan by May 31, 2008. 

The Health Commissioner and the Insurance Superintendent have been soliciting proposals and holding public hearings throughout the state to receive feedback from the public, stakeholders, academic experts, and legislative representatives.  Eight public hearings were scheduled to take place from August to December to explore approaches to providing coverage.  In July 2007, the administration issued a formal request for proposals from consulting groups to study various universal coverage plans, due by September 14, 2007.

On April 1, 2007, the state legislature approved the 2008 state budget, extending Child Health Plus, New York’s SCHIP program, to children in families with income up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level.  In June 2007, Governor Spitzer signed S06344, which allows employers to buy into Family Health Plus.  Previously, only parents with incomes below 150 percent of the federal poverty level and childless adults with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level could qualify for Family Health Plus.  Employers are required to pay at least 70 percent of the premiums for their employees and the state will pay the remainder of the cost.

In September 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services denied New York’s request to expand eligibility for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, based upon new rules that limit SCHIP enrollment.  The state has sued the agency over the new SCHIP rules because he claims they violate the original intent of SCHIP and that the rule was adopted without the required period for public notice and comment.*