Twelve major health insurance companies and seven government programs provide health insurance coverage in New York, according to the New York State Department of Insurance. As a consumer, you can take advantage of four sources that can provide this information: the state's Department of Insurance, the insurance companies themselves, local brokers or agents, and membership organizations you may belong to.
Instructions
1. Contact the New York Department of Insurance, the state agency that regulates health insurance in New York. The department publishes consumer guides that compare for-profit, nonprofit and government-provided health plans. Visit the agency's website to print out its consumer guides and comparison charts, or telephone the staff for assistance. The New York State Department of Insurance tracks data for all health plans operating within the state, so you can determine which plan offers the most benefits for the lowest premium, as well as view data about complaints, payment of claims and customer satisfaction.
2. Call a local insurance broker or agent who can explain benefits and obtain quotes from several insurance carriers. To locate one who is nearby, use tools from agent and broker professional associations such as the National Association of Health Underwriters, the Tri-County Independent Insurance Agents Association and the Insurance Brokers' Association of the State of New York.
3. Get quotes directly from insurance companies. Use contact lists from insurance trade associations like the Greater Central New York Association of Health Underwriters or from regulators like the New York State Department of Insurance to connect directly with the companies. You can also visit websites for health plans like Aetna or Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield to get comparative quotes online.
4. Check your memberships. Some professional associations, civic or alumni groups, fraternal societies or other membership organizations offer discounts on health insurance or affordable membership in a group plan.
Tags: Department Insurance, health insurance, York State, health plans, insurance companies
