According to Valerie Bauman at Newsday.com, New York’s Governor David Paterson wants to ensure health insurance is more affordable by requiring health insurance companies to get state approval if they are going to raise premiums.

This bill is one of four that Paterson has proposed to help people who can’t afford private health insurance, but do not qualify for Medicaid.  One third of New York’s uninsured is between the ages of 19-29.  Paterson’s proposal would permit families to cover their children up to 29 under insurance through their employer.   Most plans currently stop this kind of coverage at 23.  This could dramatically help families stay insured that fall into this category. 

Also, part of Paterson’s plan is to extend COBRA from 18 months to 36 months, and to cut down on the amount of claims that are inappropriately delayed or denied.  If the deadline cannot be met to review a claim, then the claim would have to be approved by the health insurance company.   All aspects of this proposal have the goal of ensuring health insurance is a fair and smooth process.