NY S05145

Amends New York Insurance Law to require the Superintendent of Insurance, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to designate an independent consumer assistance program.

The designated program must assist consumers with filing complaints and appeals, including internal appeals with health plans and external administrative appeals.

Program must collect and track consumer problems, educate consumers on health insurance rights, assist with enrollment, resolve premium tax credit issues, and help with healthcare bill disputes and access to services.

All New York state regulated health plans must list the independent consumer assistance program's contact information (name, phone, address, email) on adverse determination notices, explanation of benefits documents, subscriber agreements, member handbooks, and other consumer materials.

Becomes effective immediately upon enactment.