Will the Exchange make coverage more affordable for individuals who buy their coverage directly from an insurer?

Yes. The average premium for an individual who purchases coverage directly today (i.e., they do not receive coverage through their employer) is expected to decline dramatically when they purchase through the Exchange when reform is fully implemented. In addition to the reduction in premium, nearly 450,000 New Yorkers with incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $92,000 for a family of four) will receive more than $2.4 billion in tax credits to offset the cost of buying coverage and cost-sharing credits to reduce their co-pays and deductibles when they receive health care services.