New York Insurance Department announces public forums on the health insurance exchange

NEW YORK, NY (05/10/2011)(readMedia)-- New Yorkers are invited to a series of public forums to present their ideas on the design of New York's health insurance exchange, a major part of federal health care reform, the New York State Insurance Department announced today. Starting in 2014, the exchange will offer a market for small businesses and individuals to find affordable health insurance. More than one million New Yorkers currently without health insurance are expected to obtain coverage, while many others will find more affordable insurance.

The forums will be held on the following dates and places:

Albany, Monday, May 16: 10:00am-2:00pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ballrooms C & D, State and Lodge Streets

Syracuse, Tuesday, May 17: 1:00-5:00pm, Everson Museum of Art, Hosmer Auditorium, 401 Harrison Street

New York City, Wednesday, May 18: 10:00am-2:00pm, Baruch College, Vertical Campus Conference Center, One Bernard Baruch Way (E. 25th St., between Lexington & 3rd Aves.)

Rochester, Thursday, May 19: 2:00-5:30pm, Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus, Building 4 Theater, 1000 East Henrietta Road

Call-In Forum, Monday, May 23: 12:30-3:30pm, Call-in information will be sent to registered participants.

The forum in New York City on May 18 will be shown as a live webcast through a link to be posted on www.HealthCareReform.ny.gov.

Everyone who wishes to attend a forum is asked register in advance through the forum's specific registration page at www.HealthCareReform.ny.gov. Anyone wishing to speak at a public forum is requested to submit written testimony prior to the forum. Testimony should be sent as a Word document to HealthCareReform@exec.ny.gov with the forum city and date in the subject line of the email. Each speaker is also asked to bring five (5) written copies of their testimony to be presented at the forum. Priority will be given to speakers who submit testimony in advance. Each speaker will be given five minutes to present his or her ideas.

Individuals who are unable to attend any of these forums may submit written comments to HealthCareReform@exec.ny.gov and/or participate in the call-in forum on May 23.

The event venues will be accessible for individuals with disabilities. Additional disability assistance accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals to participate in these public forums. Requests for assistance should be sent to HealthCareReform@exec.ny.gov.

Additional information, including registration and speaker instructions, is available at www.HealthCareReform.ny.gov. For further information, email HealthCareReform@exec.ny.gov.