NYS Updates Re: Health Insurance and Unemployment Insurance

April 3, 2020

Dear Clients, Colleagues and Friends,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that through June 1, 2020, consumers and businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer paying premiums under individual and small group commercial health insurance plans. Following the Governor’s announcement, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) will require health plans to defer the payment of insurance premiums due under individual and small group health commercial insurance plans through June 1st for consumers and businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please find additional information about Governor Cuomo’s announcement on ny.gov below:
https://www.dfs.ny.gov/press_releases/pr202004023

The New York State Department of Labor recently updated information regarding Unemployment Insurance coverage for employees and self employed individuals.

Extensive information for claimants can be found on labor.ny.gov:
https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm

If you are self-employed or are an independent contractor, you are covered under New York State’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program and may file for Unemployment Insurance benefits online. More guidance for self-employed individuals is available below:
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/self-employed-ui-guide.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions about the CARES Act and NYS Unemployment Insurance during the Coronavirus Emergency will be posted here:
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/ui-covid-faq.pdf

Step by Step instructions to file an unemployment insurance claim online can be found below:
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/Unemployment-Filing-Instructions.pdf

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact your P&N professional directly, or dial 212-736-0055 for immediate help. Stay safe.

Presti & Naegele