Statement from, Donald Distasio, Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey, regarding creation of health insurance exchange via executive order
“An estimated 10,000 uninsured cancer patients across New York are waiting for relief in the form of a health insurance exchange. Thanks to this executive order from Gov. Cuomo, New York is one important step closer to offering real help.
To be most effective, a health insurance exchange must be consumer-friendly and easily accessible. Health plans options within the exchange must be affordable and high-quality. Members of any advisory panel guiding exchange decisions and policies must be free of conflicts of interest. The executive order will enable New York to start the important work of building an exchange that will be fully operational by January 1, 2014, as required by federal law.
The American Cancer Society thanks Gov. Cuomo for taking bold action on the exchange. Many New Yorkers are waiting for an opportunity to purchase affordable, high-quality health plans and the promise of a better chance at beating cancer that comes along with that coverage.”
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