Thousands of consumers who faced enrollment problems and other issues will get three weeks of free coverage from Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the agreement follows a Department of Financial Services probe into complaints about Empire sending out member ID cards late, failing to send out bills on time, and other issues.

The state agency wrote to Empire last month urging that they take immediate action to rectify complaints about enrollment problems among consumers signing up for coverage through the New York State of Health marketplace.

An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Empire consumers are expected to receive the financial relief. Empire has also committed $2 million to consumer education to encourage enrollment in health care coverage through the state marketplace.

(AP)