More than 6,210 individuals and companies in New York state have forgotten nearly $900,000 in checks issued by Univera Healthcare and its parent company. This isn't money left in their pockets, but is in the form of unclaimed checks issued in 2006 to members and providers.

If the property is not claimed by the end of August, the money is then turned over to the Comptroller of the State of New York.

"This is money that was paid for claims or refunded premiums. If the money remains unclaimed it will go to the state," said Art Wingerter, Univera Healthcare's president. "It rightfully belongs to our members or providers and we want to make sure they have one more chance to claim it."

Most of the funds that are unclaimed were allocated to Univera Healthcare members and providers. Checks may not have been cashed because the member may have moved and not left a forwarding address, may have died or simply forgot about the money.

A complete list of names of people and companies with checks to claim is available on the company's Web site at https://www.univerahealthcare.com/wps/portal/uv/our/news/forgottenfunds/

You can also start a claim by phone. If you are currently a health plan member call the phone number on your member identification card.

If you are no longer a health plan member, or if you are calling on behalf of the estate of a family member, call Univera Healthcare at 1-877 242-9464.