The New York Trainers Health Insurance Program (NYTHIP) has experienced a consistent increase in participation since its inception in October 2021. Trainers who compete on the New York Racing Association circuit are eligible to enroll in the program for the following year if they meet certain criteria. These criteria include having a minimum of 43 starts at NYRA tracks and having at least 60% of all starts at NYRA tracks. The legislation for this program was initially proposed by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and its lobbyists in 2020.
In the pilot season of NYTHIP, just over half of eligible trainers took part in the program. However, participation rates have increased to 64% for the year 2024. President of NYTHA, Tina Marie Bond, expressed satisfaction with the success of the program, emphasizing the importance of offering healthcare benefits to trainers who support racing in New York. The program covers the equivalent of a silver-level healthcare plan and trainers are required to submit their health expenditure receipts monthly for reimbursement.
Trainer David Donk highlighted the significance of health insurance for individuals who are starting a family or entering middle age. He emphasized the substantial cost savings achieved through programs like NYTHIP. For more information about NYTHA’s Benevolence Programs, individuals can visit their website. To learn more about NYTHIP specifically, inquiries can be directed to Abigail Klima at the provided email address.