Monday, August 24, 2009

Extended health coverage in New York

Graduating from college is stressful on both the child and parents -- especially now that entry-level jobs are scarce. Even if grads are lucky enough to snag a position, many aren't offering health benefits off the jump. Thanks to legislation Governor Paterson recently signed into law, New York families can cover unmarried children up to age 29 who aren't eligible for Medicare or employer-provided coverage starting Sept. 1, 2009.

According to Paterson, 19 to 29-year-olds make up 31 percent of New York's uninsured population. That's 800,000 more people who will have affordable health coverage available.

The good news: Since these adult children will be kept on the parent's private plan, it costs taxpayers nothing. The not-as-good news: Families will have to pay the premiums, rather than employers footing the bill. Still, the rates are much cheaper than buying an individual plan.

No comments:

Post a Comment