Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence
You have the right to make a reasonable request to receive communications of claim-related information from your insurer by alternative means or at alternative locations if disclosing claim-related information could endanger you. “Claim-related information” means all claim or billing information relating specifically to you, including your name, address, any services received, and the name and address of the provider of any services (such as your doctor). Your request will remain in effect until you revoke it.
- Learn more about these confidentiality requirements.
- Read a sample confidential communication request form that a health insurer may ask you to submit when making a request.
New York Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan
Do you or a family member currently have health insurance through New York State Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the Essential Plan? Starting in Spring of 2023, New York State resumed eligibility reviews and renewals for people enrolled in these programs.Visit the NY State of Health website to learn more.
Appealing the Denial of a Health Care Service
If your insurer or HMO denies health care services as not medically necessary, experimental/investigational or out-of-network, you have the right to appeal to the Department of Financial Services. This appeal is known as an external appeal. Health care providers also have the right to an external appeal when health care services are denied (concurrently or retrospectively).
- Learn how to file an External Appeal.
- Search prior appeal decisions using our External Appeals Database.
Prescription Drug Prices
DFS investigates significant price increases for certain drugs sold or advertised in New York State, and requires companies to show reasonable justification for sudden increases.
- Learn how to report a spike in a prescription drug price
Mental Health and Substance Use
- Learn more about Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder coverage in New York
Infertility, Fertility Preservation, and Surrogacy
Child Health Plus
Every child in New York who is under age 19 who does not have health insurance is eligible for the Child Health Plus program. Child Health Plus offers comprehensive health coverage, including physician visits, hospital stays, outpatient care and prescription drugs. No copayments apply. Visit the Department of Health for more information on Child Health Plus or call (800) 698-4543 or your local department of social services or department of health.
Healthy NY
DFS oversees the Healthy NY program in partnership with HMOs and other insurance companies in New York State, to offer comprehensive health insurance to small businesses.
Public Viewing of Accident & Health Insurance Form Filings
Certain accident & health insurance policy filings and Plan Management filings are made available for public viewing online via the NAIC SERFF State Filing Access website. Filings disposed of on and after February 27, 2018 are available there. (Filings may be updated or changed by a subsequent filing. You should search for the most recent version of the filing.) The Department is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the filings. Filings may contain material that is protected by copyright laws and no person may reproduce, redistribute, or make commercial use of any such material in violation of those laws. The public may also obtain access to filings by submitting a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the Department.