We’re reaching out as follow up to information you should have received from NY State of Health (NYSOH) regarding Individual Market members.
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. The law delivers immediate relief to working families bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis in the following ways:
- Increases financial assistance for health insurance premiums by providing a new and expanded Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC).
- Provides coverage for unemployed New Yorkers. If an individual received unemployment insurance for at least one (1) week in 2021, they will be able to sign-up for a nearly free health plan through NY State of Health for coverage that lasts for all of 2021.
To take advantage of these expanded tax credits, these members will need to switch their current QHP to a similar Excellus BCBS plan on the NY State of Health Marketplace. This enhanced assistance is available to current enrollees and new enrollees and includes, for the first time, higher-income individuals (those over 400% of the Federal Poverty Level).
We are sending communications to our “off-exchange members” informing them of their potential eligibility for the APTC.
Contact your account representative with any questions. Or visit the NY State of Health broker website for more information.
NY State of Health Broker Site
View Sample Member Letter (PDF)
