The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the New York State of Health (NYSOH) health plan marketplace announced on 9/25/15 that Health Republic of New York will be winding down operations and will cease writing new applications for 2016. Individual members who currently have health coverage through Health Republic will continue to have coverage through December 31st, 2015, but must choose a new plan by December 15, 2015 for coverage beginning January 1, 2016.
Existing Health Republic small group plans will remain in effect until further notice according to the NY Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the New York State of Health (NYSOH). We expect small group plans to remain in effect for the time being until we hear further.
For those who currently have an individual health insurance plan with Health Republic, please know we have other quality health care options available to you at renewal! While the final plans and rates for these carriers have not yet been released, please check out our 2015 Individual Health Insurance page to see the carriers we recommend along with their provider search links. https://peakinsuranceadvisors.com/2015-individual-health-insurance . We will be updating these pages and the above link with 2016 rates, forms, and benefit outlines as they become available. We recommend you not only search the carrier provider network, but also double check and confirm with your provider that they are indeed on the plan you are considering.
Below is a quick summary of the alternative carriers to Health Republic:
Oscar – Comparable premiums and network to Health Republic . Includes NSLIJ hospital network, does not include Stonybrook or Memorial Sloan Kettering hospitals. No referrals to see network specialists.
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield – Pathways Network. Slightly higher pricing vs HR. Has a good network in Nassau County, limited in Suffolk County . Requires a referral to see a network specialist.
United Healthcare (Compass Network) – available thru NY State of Health only. Higher premiums than other choices available. Large network with many choices of hospitals and doctors on Long Island and NYC. Requires a referral to see a network specialist. Utilizes United Healthcare COMPASS Network.
Oxford -(Liberty Network) – available Off Exchange only. Higher premiums than other choices available. Largest network available on Long Island and NYC. Requires a referral to see a network specialist. Utilizes the Oxford Healthcare LIBERTY Network.
NSLIJ Care Connect – (aka Care Connect) – similar if not lower premiums vs Health Republic. Extremely robust Nassau, Queens, and Western Suffolk County network with new inroads in eastern Suffolk and Westchester counties. NO referrals to see network specialists. Must use NSLIJ Hospital Network only except in emergencies.
We welcome new clients to contact us with questions on their upcoming 2016 renewal choices. Please check back often for updates.
Below is an article on the shut down of Health Republic.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/regulators-to-shut-down-health-republic-insurance-of-new-york-1443222742