NY State COBRA Continuation Assistance Program Begins:
How to Apply

On January 1, 2005, the COBRA assistance program went into effect, assisting entertainment industry employees with the payment of their COBRA continuation insurance premiums. The New York State Insurance Department’s Health Bureau is now responsible for the administration of this program.

To be eligible for this program, a person must meet the following requirements:

     ●Be a New York State resident; 

     ●Be eligible for, or already covered by, COBRA/continuation coverage through a
        collectively bargained plan covering entertainment industry employees; 

     ●Not already receiving continuation assistance via the Department of Health
        COBRA Continuation Assistance Program; 

     ●Not be eligible for Medicare; 

     ●Not be eligible for employer sponsored coverage; and 

     ●Must meet the household income limitation of the program

You must apply to the New York State Insurance Department directly for the premium subsidy. They can be reached through the Insurance Department website, or by phone at (800) 342-3736, or (518) 474-6600. Information and applications are also available online at the Actor's Fund AHIRC website (www.ahirc.org) or in the 10th and 11th floor waiting rooms at The Actors’ Fund.

Income limitations exist for program qualification. However, the Insurance Department is using a generous one month look-back formula, making it easier to meet those income qualifications. If you think you might qualify, make sure you contact NYS Insurance Department representatives to discuss your eligibility.