Healthy NY Health Insurance Information for Sole Proprietors

Special Information for Sole Proprietors

Healthy NY defines a sole proprietor as the sole owner and only employee of a business. The structure of the business does not matter. For example, the business could be a corporation, LLC, or D/B/A. However, if you own a business with your spouse or anyone else, then you are not eligible to apply as a sole proprietor. If you have any employees, then you are not eligible to apply as a sole proprietor. Sole proprietors must meet the same eligibility requirements as individuals. Keep in mind that sole proprietors may deduct documented monthly business expenses when determining current income.

Healthy NY - A Wise Choice for Students, Recent Graduates, and Young Adults

If you are a high school or college student aging off of a parent's policy, you may be eligible for Healthy NY, even if you have had coverage within the past 12 months. You must meet all other eligibility requirements, including the work requirement. Part-time work, summer work, and work-study count towards the work requirement, as long the work was within the last 12 months and you received monetary compensation. Unpaid internships do not count towards the work requirement.

Only include your income and that of your spouse, if applicable. Do not count your roommates' or parents' income, even if you live with them.

When calculating family size, include yourself and your spouse and children, if applicable, even if you do not want Healthy NY coverage for them. Do not include parents or roommates.

Early Retirees May Benefit from Healthy NY

Application Tips for Early Retirees

If you are an early retiree who is not yet Medicare-eligible, then Healthy NY might be the answer to your interim health insurance needs. Early retirees may apply for Healthy NY as long as they meet the eligibility requirements, including working at some point within the last 12 months. You do not need to accept or exhaust COBRA coverage in order to apply for Healthy NY. Keep in mind that if you wait until you exhaust COBRA coverage to apply for Healthy NY, you will still need to show that you have had some type of employment within the last 12 months in order to qualify.

Continuing with Healthy NY through Recertification

Once you are enrolled in Healthy NY, you must annually recertify that you are eligible to continue in the program. The requirements at recertification are different from the requirements when you first apply for Healthy NY. At recertification, as long as you attest that you are a New York State resident and meet Healthy NY's income guidelines, you can continue in the program. At this point, you do not need to have worked within the last 12 months. For more information about recertification, please see page 8.

Coverage by Region:

Resources:

Articles:

New York Health Guide Pages:

Links: