Bill > A09378

This bill proposes to expand health insurance enrollment opportunities in New York by creating a new process for uninsured individuals to access health coverage through their state income tax returns. Specifically, the bill allows taxpayers to voluntarily check a box on their tax return authorizing the Department of Health to review their tax data to determine eligibility for health insurance programs like Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and NY State of Health marketplace plans. The program would require the Department of Health to review authorized tax data within 30 days, contact eligible individuals, and either offer them a health plan invitation or refer them to a certified health insurance navigator. Additionally, the bill creates special enrollment periods that would allow first-time, uninsured individuals without employer-sponsored coverage to enroll in health insurance at any time through the tax return process or the NY State of Health marketplace. The goal of the bill is to increase health insurance access by providing a more flexible and proactive enrollment mechanism that leverages existing tax filing infrastructure to help uninsured residents find appropriate health coverage.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9378