HealthNow fined $700K for notifications

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - Buffalo-based health insurer HealthNowNY has paid $700,000 in fines for notification violations.

HealthNowNY was cited by New York State in 164,000 cases during a five-year period from 2004-2008 for failing to provide explanations of benefits statements.

The company is required to describe what services the various plans cover and provide information on how consumers can appeal when their claims are denied.

 HealthNow NY Inc. is the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY.

The company was also among more than a dozen insurers statewide fined nearly $2.7 million for violating notification requirements about coverage for mental illness under Timothy’s Law. The fine in that case was $101,640.