Press Release
Statement: CSS Applauds Gov. Cuomo and State Legislature for Providing Consumer Assistance to Medicaid Patients
The Community Service Society applauds Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for the enactment of bill A.3598/S.7241. The legislation passed and signed into law by the governor yesterday will require Medicaid Managed Care plans to provide information about the state’s designated independent consumer assistance programs, Community Health Advocates (CHA) and Community Health Access to Addiction & Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP), when a benefit is denied.
CHA/CHAMP help consumers understand how to use their insurance, resolve billing issues and coverage denials, maximize their coverage, and access affordable healthcare. These programs serve around 30,000 clients every year through a central live-answer, toll-free helpline and a diverse network of community-based organizations that provide in-person services in all 62 counties of New York. CSS operates the helpline and provides training and support to the CBO network. Since its creation, CHA has helped 388,000 consumers and small businesses, saving them approximately $80 million in health insurance and healthcare costs.
The programs’ helpline number, which answers around 10,000 call per year, is currently only listed on commercial insurance carriers’ “Explanations of Benefits” and claim denials. With the passage of this bill, 4.5 million low-income New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care plans will also know where to go for help if they believe their insurer’s decision is unjust. This is especially important during a pandemic that disproportionately impacts low-income individuals who are likely to be enrolled in the Medicaid.
We thank Assembly Member Richard Gottfried and State Senator Gustavo Rivera for championing the legislation. And look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and the Legislature to strengthen and expand access to these services so that all New Yorkers have an equal chance to getting the care they need.