ALBANY, N.Y., May 24 – Legislation to allow health insurance contracts and policies for long-term care to be renewable each year at the option of the insured has passed the Assembly and has been sent to the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook (D/L-Queens), would also allow the insurer to cancel the contract or policy if the insured fails to pay the premiums for renewal.

This amendment to the insurance law would protect the insured from an arbitrary termination of coverage based on the whim of the insurer for any reason other than the nonpayment of premiums, said Cook.

The New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT) issued a statement in support of this legislation, saying, NYSUT has a long-standing commitment to providing and protecting the health care needs of our members and their families over the span of their lives. We support any legislative initiatives that advance and guarantee both immediate and long-term medical and health needs.