Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) announced today that a bill he sponsored extending the Freelancers Health Plan (FHP), a self-funded insurance plan for freelancers, was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo (A.06519).
In 2009, New York authorized a demonstration program to provide health insurance coverage to independent workers, which the bill extended till December 31, 2014.
“In these tough economic times many businesses wishing to cut costs opt to hiring freelancers, who often provide few benefits to the employee outside of a paycheck,” Lentol said.
“This demonstration program has been a great success,” he added.
There are approximately 25,000 currently insured through the FHP, which is wholly owned and offered through the Freelancers Union.
The FHP premiums are on average 40% less than plans available in the individual and group markets in New York City. Last year the premium increase was 0% across all plans, well below the 9.6% average increase for small group plans in New York State.
Beginning in January 2013, members of FHP began receiving free primary and preventative services through a state-of-the-art medical home location in Downtown Brooklyn.
“Access to affordable health insurance for New Yorkers is essential. By providing freelancers with a safety net, we are improving the health and stability of families throughout the state,” Lentol concluded.
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