With Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) discontinuing most of its small group health plans for downstate NY small businesses beginning 4/1/2013 (originally slated for 4/1/2012), comparable products from other carriers are looking very attractive…including those from Oxford+, Aetna, and Emblem Health (GHI).

Here is Oxford’s most recent brochure detailing their comparable plans to Empire BCBS (which most are being discontinued):

Empire BCBS to Oxford Brochure

The remaining major health insurance carriers in downstate New York (Aetna, Oxford, and Emblem) all offer comparable coverage and services* including:

-Plan flexibility
-Plan affordability
-Expansive provider networks
-Online provider search capabilities
-Expansive pharmacy networks
-Comparable prescription drug lists
-Easily accessible laboratory networks
-Alternative medicine options
-100 percent wellness coverage
-Disease management programs
-Online policy services
-Exceptional customer services

Don’t get caught out in the cold. With Empire’s small group health plan discontinuation beginning 4/1/2013, the time is now to change health plans to continue health insurance for you and your employees. For additional information and quotes from the major health companies in New York, contact a health insurance broker to assist you.

+Downstate New York counties within the Oxford service area are: Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Kings, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster.

*Aetna, Emblem, and Oxford offer similar products and services. Check with your insurance broker in New York for the specific options offered from each of the carriers.