File #: Res 0613-2006    Version: * Name: Require insurance companies to cover policyholders’ dependents until the age of 25, regardless of enrollment in an educational institution.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Health
On agenda: 11/15/2006
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the New York State Senate to introduce and pass legislation similar to Assembly Bill 10692, which would require insurance companies to cover policyholders’ dependents until the age of 25, regardless of enrollment in an educational institution.
Sponsors: David I. Weprin, Letitia James, John C. Liu, Darlene Mealy, Michael C. Nelson, Larry B. Seabrook
Council Member Sponsors: 6

Res. No. 613

 

Resolution calling upon the New York State Senate to introduce and pass legislation similar to Assembly Bill 10692, which would require insurance companies to cover policyholders’ dependents until the age of 25, regardless of enrollment in an educational institution.

 

By Council Members Weprin, James, Liu, Mealy, Nelson and Seabrook

 

                     Whereas, According to the United Hospital Fund, 1.8 million people in New York City are uninsured, representing roughly 28 percent of the City’s population; and

                     Whereas, According to the Commonwealth Fund, nationally, nearly 14 million adults age 19 to 29 lack health coverage, representing 30 percent of the uninsured, non-elderly population; and

                     Whereas, Evidence has shown that young adults fail to purchase health insurance due to a variety of factors, including increasing premium costs and an inability to access insurance from employers; and

                     Whereas, Current law in New York State requires health insurance companies to offer insurance to a policyholder’s dependents until the age of 19, or the age of 23 if the dependent is enrolled in an accredited educational institution; and

                     Whereas, In 2006, the State of New Jersey adopted legislation that requires insurance companies to offer coverage to dependents until they reach the age of 30; and

                     Whereas, New Jersey’s action is consistent with similar legislation that has been adopted in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, Texas, Delaware and Rhode Island; and

                     Whereas, On April 12, 2006, Assembly Member Peter Grannis introduced Assembly Bill 10692, which would require insurance companies in New York State to provide coverage for dependents until the age of 25; and                     

                     Whereas, While on June 19, 2006, Assembly Bill 10692 passed the State Assembly with the support of 139 members, to date, no State Senator has introduced companion legislation in the State Senate; and

                     Whereas, The ever-growing health care access crisis has broad public policy implications for both the State and the City; and                     

                     Whereas, It is imperative that the State of New York take bold and proactive measures to meet this crisis and ensure that all New Yorkers have adequate access to health care; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Senate to introduce and pass legislation similar to Assembly Bill 10692, which would require insurance companies to cover policyholders’ dependents until the age of 25, regardless of enrollment in an educational institution.

 

LS# 1871

JN

10/27/06