The Health Care Bureau safeguards the rights of health care consumers statewide through investigation of and enforcement actions against insurers, providers, drug companies, and other individuals and entities that engage in fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or illegal practices in the health care market. The bureau’s health care helpline, which handles over 4,000 individual requests for assistance each year, provides information to New Yorkers and helps patients resolve problems with insurance companies and health care providers, making sure they get access to the health care they are entitled to. The Health Care Bureau also educates New Yorkers about the rights and protections they have available to them under health and consumer protection laws. In addition, the bureau advocates for legislation and policy initiatives to enhance the rights of health care consumers and their ability to access quality, affordable care across the state.