Lower Cost Health Insurance For Tompkins SWCD

ONEONTA, 07/19/12 –  State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) announced today that employees with the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District will be eligible for lower cost health insurance under legislation signed into law by Governor Cuomo. 

“This new law clears the way for Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District employees to join the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium and take advantage of lower health insurance and prescription drug coverage,” said Senator Seward.

Municipal cooperative health benefit plans are authorized under Article 47 of the insurance law and provide a method for municipalities to band together to collectively purchase health insurance and prescription drug coverage at a reasonable rate.  

In 2010, the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium was established, the first since Article 47 was enacted.  Currently, only local governments outside of New York City, BOCES, school districts, public libraries and business improvement districts are eligible to participate. 

“The soil and water conservation district is supported with public funds and has a great deal in common with the already eligible entities. It makes sense to allow them to join the consortium – providing savings for both employees and taxpayers,” Seward added.

The bill (S.5040A), sponsored by Senator Seward, also passed the senate in 2011.  The legislation (A.8168A) was co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton in the assembly.

The law takes effect immediately.

-30-