* § 268. Statement of policy and purposes. The purpose of this title is to codify the establishment of the health benefit exchange in New York, known as NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace (Marketplace), in conformance with Executive Order 42 (Cuomo) issued April 12, 2012. The Marketplace shall continue to perform eligibility determinations for federal and state insurance affordability programs including medical assistance in accordance with section three hundred sixty-six of the social services law, child health plus in accordance with section twenty-five hundred eleven of this chapter, the basic health program in accordance with section three hundred sixty-nine-gg of the social services law, and premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, together with performing eligibility determinations for qualified health plans and such other health insurance programs as determined by the commissioner. The Marketplace shall also facilitate enrollment in insurance affordability programs, qualified health plans and other health insurance programs as determined by the commissioner, the purchase and sale of qualified health plans and/or other or additional health plans certified by the Marketplace pursuant to this title, and shall continue to have the authority to operate a small business health options program ("SHOP") to assist eligible small employers in selecting qualified health plans and/or other or additional health plans certified by the Marketplace and to determine small employer eligibility for purposes of small employer tax credits. It is the intent of the legislature, by codifying the Marketplace in state statute, to continue to promote quality and affordable health coverage and care, reduce the number of uninsured persons, provide a transparent marketplace, educate consumers and assist individuals with access to coverage, premium assistance tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. In addition, the legislature declares the intent that the Marketplace continue to be properly integrated with insurance affordability programs, including Medicaid, child health plus and the basic health program, and such other health insurance programs as determined by the commissioner.

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