Due to the Affordable Care Act’s health plan requirements, all Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield small group medical insurance plans will be discontinued and replaced effective the group’s renewal date. This includes grandfathered and non-grandfathered health plans.
By default, discontinued plans will automatically renew to the closest new plan structure. However, other options will be available for small groups to choose from. Also be advised that Empire will be offering replacement small group medical plans off-exchange only. Empire will not be participating in the SHOP Exchange program in New York.
This does not affect Healthy NY small group plans written through Empire. While these plans will also discontinue on 12/31/13, there will be a replacement small group Healthy NY plan offered by Empire. Bear in mind that individual and sole prior Healthy NY plans will not be replaced. These individuals must seek individual coverage via the NY State of Health Marketplace (exchange), with open enrollment beginning on 10/1/14.
For more information regarding Empire’s small group health insurance plan changes, or to review other carrier plan options available in the downstate NY area, contact an insurance broker.