In New York, your health insurance options do not depend on your health status.

· Coverage under your group health plan (if your employer offers one) cannot be denied or limited, nor can you be required to pay more, because of your health status. This is called nondiscrimination. (see Group Health Plans)

· All health plans in New York must limit exclusion of pre-existing conditions. There are rules about what counts as a pre-existing condition and how long you must wait before a new health plan will begin to pay for care for that condition. Generally, if you join a new plan your old coverage will be credited toward the pre-existing condition exclusion period, provided you did not have a long break in coverage. (see Group Health Plans for Group Coverage, and Individual Health Plans for Individual Coverage)

· You cannot be turned down for an individual health insurance policy because of your health status, age, or any other factor that might predict your use of health services. This is called guaranteed issue. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you are buying an individual health insurance policy, you cannot be charged more for your health insurance due to health status, age, gender, or occupation. This is called community rating. (see Individual Health Plans)

· Individual health insurance companies also may not impose a pre-existing condition exclusion period because of your genetic information. Insurance companies are not allowed to even ask about your genetic tests or family history when you apply for coverage. (see Individual Health Plans)

· Your individual or group health plan cannot be canceled because you get sick. Most health insurance is guaranteed renewable. Note, however, that the precise definition of guaranteed renewable may vary based on what type of insurance you have. (see Individual Health Plans for Individual Coverage, and Small Employer or Self-Employed Person for Small Group Coverage)

· If you leave your job, you may be able to remain in your old group health plan for a certain length of time. This is called COBRA continuation coverage or state continuation coverage. It can help when you are between jobs or waiting for a new health plan to cover your pre-existing condition. There are limits on what you can be charged for this coverage. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you lost your group health plan because of involuntary termination of employment that occurred between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit that can help you pay for your COBRA or state continuation coverage premiums for up to nine months. (see Individual Health Plans)

· If you are a small employer buying a group health plan, you cannot be turned down because of the health status, age, or any factor that might predict the use of health services of those in your group. All health plans for small employers must be sold on a guaranteed issue basis. (see Small Employer or Self-Employed Person)

· If you are a small employer buying a group health plan, you cannot be charged more due to the health status, age, gender, or occupation of those in your group. This is called community rating. (see Small Employer or Self-Employed Person)

· If you have low or modest household income, you may be eligible for free or subsidized health coverage for yourself or members of your family. The New York Medicaid program offers free health coverage for pregnant women, families with children, elderly and disabled individuals with very low-incomes. (see Financial Assitance)

· The Child Health Plus Program offers free or subsidized health coverage for uninsured children. In addition, the Family Health Plus Program offers free health coverage for eligible uninsured families and individuals. (see Financial Assitance)

· If you have low or modest household income and your employer does not provide health insurance, you may be eligible for subsidized health coverage for yourself or members of your family. The Healthy New York program offers low-cost health insurance to uninsured working individuals, small employers and sole-proprietors. (see Financial Assitance)

· If you believe you may be at risk for breast or cervical cancer but are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for screening and treatment. The Cancer Services Program Partnership provides free cancer screening for qualified residents. In addition, women diagnosed with cancer through this program may be eligible for medical care through the New York Medicaid program. (see Financial Assitance)

· If you have lost you health insurance and are receiving benefits from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program then you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit to help pay for new health coverage. This credit is called the Health Coverage tax Credit (HCTC), and it is equal to 80% of the cost of qualified health coverage. (see Financial Assitance)

· If you are a retiree aged 55-65 and receiving pension benefits from Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), then you may also be eligible for the HCTC. (see Financial Assitance)