A New York senator said last week that legislation establishing a state-run health insurance exchange would ensure that health insurance brokers are involved in the process.

Sen. James L. Seward, along with Sen. Kemp Hannon announced a bill (S5652) filed in the state Senate is a blueprint for the development and implementation of the health insurance in New York State, mandated by the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Specifically the legislation (S.5652) would:

• Establish the New York Health Benefit Exchange as a new public authority with an 11 member governing board of directors;
• Establish regional advisory committees across the state to provide expertise and recommendations;
• Ensure that no general fund monies will be used to finance the exchange;
• Provides that the exchange will not supersede the authority of either the superintendent of the Department of Financial Services or the Commissioner of Health;
• Requires the exchange to study various policy issues and submit a report to the legislature by Dec. 31, 2011.

"The guidelines allow New York to control its own health insurance destiny, preserving employer-sponsored coverage, ensuring health insurance brokers and business groups are involved in the process and, ultimately, providing consumers with quality coverage options," Seward said.