New York: 2020 Open Enrollment Launch Information from NY State of Health

via NY State of Health:

Press Release: Governor Cuomo Announces the Start of NY State Of Health's 2020 Open Enrollment Period

• New York's Uninsured Rate Continues to Decline, Among Lowest in the Nation
• More than 4.8 Million New Yorkers Have Enrolled Through NY State of Health

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that on November 1, NY State of Health - New York State's Health Plan Marketplace and a national leader in enrolling people into quality, affordable health coverage - will begin its seventh annual open enrollment period for New Yorkers who want quality, low-cost health insurance coverage in 2020.

"New York is proud to be a national leader in providing access to health care to state residents through a robust and vibrant marketplace," Governor Cuomo said. "Despite continued aggressive threats at the federal level to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and block access to health care, we continue to move forward.  We believe health care is a right, not a luxury, and we will continue our efforts to provide New Yorkers with quality, affordable health coverage."

In New York, the number of uninsured has been reduced by 1.2 million since 2010, including one million since the NY State of Health Marketplace opened in 2013. More than 4.8 million people are currently enrolled in coverage through NY State of Health. 

Open Enrollment for Qualified Health Plans begins November 1, 2019 and will continue through January 31, 2020. New enrollees can apply for coverage starting on November 1, 2019. Current enrollees may begin renewing coverage on November 16. The Marketplace offers a choice of health plans across all Marketplace programs in every county of the state, with free in-person assistance available to help consumers shop for and enroll in the best coverage for themselves and their families.

 There will be no cost increase for nearly all Marketplace enrollees in 2020, including those in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plans who receive tax credits. Consumers who receive premium tax credits will see no change, or in some cases a small decrease, in the cost of coverage compared to 2019. 

Consumers must enroll or renew by December 15, for coverage effective January 1, 2020.  Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.

Consumers can review their health plan options and estimate their 2020 costs online, by phone, or with the help of an in-person assistor. NY State of Health has added a new out-of-pocket cost estimator tool to the website to help consumers with their plan shopping which allows them to compare premiums as well as estimate out-of-pocket costs for the various Qualified Health Plans available.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, we have drastically reduced the number of uninsured New Yorkers, and we continue to drive those numbers down every year. If you are not insured, take this opportunity and enroll in a plan during this Open Enrollment period, and if you are currently insured through NY Sate of Health, be sure to renew your coverage for the upcoming year."

NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore said, "As we begin our seventh Open Enrollment Period, New York remains more committed than ever to getting New Yorkers covered. We are proud of our success lowering the state's uninsured rate and will work to help more New Yorkers gain access to the affordable health care they deserve in 2020."

Consumers can enroll in a health plan by:

• Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777
• Logging onto the website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov
• Meeting with an in-person assistor. Find an assistor here.