The New York State legislature recently expanded the eligibility and subsidy for some individuals who rely on health insurance through a health plan that covers union entertainment industry workers.
What is the subsidy?
The new subsidy covers 75% of the premium cost for the COBRA options you choose. If you've eligible and your application is approved, this means you pay only 25%.
New York State will pay 75% of the COBRA premium directly to the Fund. You will need to pay 25% of the COBRA premium to cover the full cost of coverage.
If you are receiving the subsidy and later qualify for a lower Tier of health coverage through employment, you can continue receiving the subsidy for the higher Tier option. If you earn the same or a higher Tier of health coverage through employment based on your existing COBRA coverage, then you are no longer eligible for the subsidy.
You can receive the subsidy over multiple periods of COBRA coverage for a total of 12 months over a 5-year period.
Who is eligible?
You—and your enrolled dependents—may be eligible for subsidized COBRA coverage if you lost your Health Fund eligibility because of an involuntary termination of employment.
You will be offered subsidized coverage if:
-
-
-
- You are a resident of New York
- You meet the monthly household income limits below
-
-
| If you are: | Your monthly income must be equal to or below: |
| Single | $5,020 |
| Family of 2 | $6,813 |
| Family of 3 | $8,607 |
| Family of 4 | $10,400 |
| Family of 5* | $12,193 |
*For each additional person in the household, add $1,793.
How can you lose eligibility?
You will lose your eligibility for the premium subsidy if any of the following occurs:
-
-
-
- Your continuation coverage/COBRA ends
- You move out of New York State
- You become eligible for Medicare
- You become eligible for employer insurance
-
-
When does the new subsidy take effect and how long will the subsidy last?
The 75% subsidy began with April premiums.
Due to the limited funding available for this program, applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If the State does not have enough funding available to ensure 12 months of assistance, it will be required under the law to deny the application.
How do I enroll in the subsidy?
1) Complete this fillable application.
Note: You must have Adobe Reader to view and fill out the form.
2) Submit your application and supporting documentation
-
-
-
- By email
- By US mail sent to:
-
-
NYS Continuation Assistance Program
NYS Department of Financial Services
One Commerce Plaza, Suite 1909
Albany, NY 12257
For more information
If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Fund Office by phone at (212) 869-9380 or (800) 344-5220 toll-free or by email to health@equityleague.org.
You can also visit the New York State website.