Part
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Part
01
Health Insurance Options
We were unable to find health insurance options that are geared specifically to self-employed individuals in a co-working community in New York. In your other request in this project, "Association Health Plan," we covered that under the Affordable Care Act, Association Health Plans (AHPs) were converted to "small-group or individual plans." However, proposed federal legislation could again make AHPs an option for self-employed individuals.
As the law sits today, in New York the option for health care coverage for sole proprietors and their families is coverage purchased on the state's Individual Marketplace. We detailed New York's Individual Marketplace and how to access it in "Association Health Plans."
Below, we have highlighted one health plan off of New York's Individual Marketplace, Affinity Health Plan. We chose to do a deep dive on Affinity because they are unique in that they provide coverage for lower-income New York residents who are not eligible for Medicaid.
Additionally, we found two organizations that offer health and wellness benefits to the general public, 2BenefitU and Medi-Share.
Affinity Health Plan
Unlike 2BenefitU and Medi-Share, Affinity Health Plan is full-coverage health insurance. It is offered to lower-income New York residents who do not qualify for Medicaid.
1: $24,120
2: $32,480
3: $40,840
4: $49,200
Pros & Cons
Affinity Health Plan is full-coverage health insurance offered on New York's Health Plan Marketplace. It is available to anyone who meets the income requirements. The monthly fees for medical coverage range from $0 to $20 per person. Vision and dental coverage is available for an additional fee.
Case Study
Affinity does not list any testimonials or reviews on their website. We were unable to find any credible, recent reviews. (For example, we came across Yelp reviews from 2015.)
2Benefitu
Some professional organizations offer health and wellness benefits to their members. Your request doesn't mention what type of therapists would be in your co-working community, but we looked at the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). Members can receive, "10% off all 2BenefitU's enhanced health and wellness plans."
2BenefitU describes itself as offering, "non-insured benefit programs featuring products and services for everyday use." There are three packages available: Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. Benefits include Teladoc, a nurseline, diabetes supplies, durable medical equipment, to name a few.
While AMHCA members receive 10% off 2BenefitU's plans, it is important to note that 2BenefitU is open to the general public. Depending on the package you choose, 2BenefitU's monthly fees range from $15.95 to $29.95.
Pros & Cons
2BenefitU's monthly fees are relatively inexpensive. The "Discount Lab Work Benefit" in not available to New York residents.
Case Study
2BenefitU posts customer testimonials on their own website. We were unable to find independent case studies or reviews of 2BenefitU.
Medi-Share
Medi-Share is, "a healthcare sharing ministry where members share each other’s medical bills." A member's monthly fee, called a "share," is matched with other members' monthly bills.
Group billing is available for "employers and employees," but Medi-Share's website does not further elaborate on these terms.
Pros & Cons
Members must agree to not use tobacco or illegal drugs; to not abuse legal drugs; and to abstain from sex "outside of traditional Christian marriage."
There are several services and procedures not eligible for sharing, including: "[m]aternity expenses for children conceived out of wedlock with an exception for pregnancy resulting from rape;" psychiatric and psychological care; and dental and periodontal services.
Case Study
Medi-Share posts member reviews on its website. A December 2016 post on Take Command Health details one father's experience with Medi-Share.
Conclusion
We were unable to find health insurance options that are geared specifically to self-employed individuals in a co-working community in New York. As noted in "Association Health Plan," the issues surrounding AHPs are dynamic as we wait to see if the proposed legislation is passed.
Affinity Health Plan is full-coverage health insurance available to New York residents that meet income requirements. Additionally, 2BenefitU and Medi-Share are organizations open to the general public.