Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke applauded President Obama’s announce-ment that health insurance companies will have the ability to renew policies issued for 2013 in-surance plans for 2014, a decision that will increase choices for families and children.

To renew these plans, insurance companies must notify people who are currently enrolled of their option to purchase coverage through the New York Health Exchange, in which tax credits are often available to reduce the cost of premiums. In addition, insurance companies must disclose if the renewed plans fail to include benefits that would otherwise have been required by the Affordable Care Act, such as limits on annual deductibles or annual primary care visits without a co-payment.

“President Obama’s decision to allow the renewal of health insurance plans will reduce potential disruptions as people who purchase health insurance as individuals – rather than in an employer-sponsored plan – transition to the New York Health Exchange,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “Ultimately, I believe that people will find that the plans offered in the New York Health Ex-change are more comprehensive and – with tax credits – more affordable than their current indi-vidual health insurance plans. This decision will increase choices for people in Brooklyn and around the United States.”

The ability to renew insurance policies that are not in compliance with the Affordable Care Act will apply only for 2014. After 2014, people who purchase health insurance as individuals will be required to select a comprehensive plan.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.