On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Over the next few years, this law will change the availability and affordability of health insurance for many residents across the country.

In New York in the next few years, public health insurance will become a new coverage option for some City residents while others will qualify for a subsidy to help lower the cost of private insurance.  In addition, some small businesses will be eligible for tax credits for offering health insurance to their workers.

In the coming months, look for updated information and new details on NYC Health Insurance Link (www.nyc.gov/hilink) about what these changes mean for City residents, workers and small business owners looking for health insurance.  Detailed information on changes to eligibility for public health insurance will also be added to the OCHIA website (www.nyc.gov/healthstat).