Thousands of New York consumers who faced enrollment problems will get three weeks of free coverage from Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the agreement follows a Department of Financial Services probe into complaints about Empire sending out member ID cards late, failing to send bills on time and other issues.
Empire spokeswoman Sally Kweskin says Sunday the company voluntarily offered compensation to consumers who had problems signing up for coverage or accessing benefits during the turbulent rollout of the state's New York State of Health marketplace.
An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Empire consumers are expected to receive the financial relief. Empire has also committed $2 million to consumer education to encourage enrollment in health care coverage through the state marketplace.
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