New York State
Insurance Department

DEPARTMENT UNVEILS NEW INTERACTIVE CONSUMER HEALTH INSURANCE WEB SITE
Easily Accessible Assistance in Choosing & Comparing HMOs          

            Superintendent Gregory V. Serio today unveiled the State’s first interactive, on-line version of the Consumer Guide to HMOs. Now, New Yorkers can obtain information on health insurance programs and compare all HMOs on-line. The Web site is www.nyshmoguide.org.

            "At this crucial time of year when many consumers are weighing their choices during open enrollment season, we are extremely pleased to be debuting this new Web site," said Serio. "Open enrollment is the time of year when all New Yorkers have an opportunity to switch health plans for the upcoming year. It is at this important time that the new Web site can act as a significant resource as health insurance decisions are being made for all New Yorkers and their families."

            The Web site will help consumers choose an HMO, show how HMOs work, and introduce special health programs.

            "This Web site is an essential tool for consumers because it highlights information about New York’s health insurers in a standard and easy-to-understand format," added Serio. "This is just another example of how the Department is instituting technological advances to effectively and efficiently serve the needs of New York’s insurance consumers."

            The new Web site will complement the consumer information already offered through the Consumer Guide to Health Insurance, the Consumer Guide to HMO’s, the Insurance Department’s Web site @ www.ins.state.ny.us and the consumer hotline, 1-800-342-3736.