In my post a few weeks ago about Minnesota's plan to dramatically expand their existing Basic Health Plan (BHP) program, MinnesotaCare, into a full-fledged Public Option open to residents not currently eligible for the program, I made an offhand reference to similar BHP expansion-related news happening in New York State. However, I haven't gotten around to actually writing about NY's BHP program until now.
New York's implementation of the ACA's BHP provision (Section 1331 of the law) is called the Essential Plan, and it already serves over eleven times as many people as Minnesota's does (around 1.1 million vs. 100K). Part of this is obviously due to New York having a larger population, but that's only part of it (NY has 19.84M residents, just 3.5x higher than MN's 5.71M).
As I noted this morning, while the 2023 ACA Open Enrollment Period has now officially ended in all states, there's still a lot of Special Enrollment Period (SEP) exceptions for people who have Qualified Life Experiences (QLEs) such as losing their current coverage, turning 26, moving, getting married/divorced, giving birth and so forth.
There's also year-round enrollment available for members of Native American tribes, as well as those eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Finally, in most states, residents are eligible to enroll year-round as long as their income is below a certain threshold--usually 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), somewhat higher in some states, including New York, where residents earning. up to 200% FPL can enroll in the Essential Plan year-round.
Enrollment Assistors Will Be Available to Educate Shoppers on Their Health Plan Options and Help Them Enroll
Consumers Who Enroll by January 15th Will Have Coverage on February 1st
ALBANY, N.Y. (January 11, 2023) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced it is once again partnering with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to educate New Yorkers about enrolling in quality, affordable health insurance at select winter farmers’ markets across the state. Throughout January and February, certified enrollment assistors will provide in-person support by helping market shoppers compare health plan options, answering questions, scheduling appointments, and walking them through the enrollment process.
Consumers Must Renew or Enroll by December 15 for January 1 Coverage
Several Events Scheduled Statewide with Enrollment Assistors on Site to Help Consumers Enroll
Expanded Federal Tax Credits Continue for 2023 Health Plans
ALBANY, NY. (December 14, 2022) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced the December 15 deadline is quickly approaching for New Yorkers who want their coverage in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) effective by January 1, and urges consumers to take action now to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage.
New Yorkers Enrolling by December 15 will be Covered on January 1
ALBANY, N.Y. (November 23, 2022) – NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, is working with food pantries for the sixth consecutive holiday season to help consumers access high-quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year. Certified enrollment specialists will be available at food pantries across the state during November and December to provide consumers with enrollment assistance. Consumers must enroll by December 15, 2022, for health coverage starting January 1, 2023.
Enhanced Federal Subsidies Will Continue to Lower Monthly Premiums for New Yorkers to Lowest Levels in Recent Years
Certified Enrollment Assistors Available Across the State to Offer Free Enrollment Guidance, Plan Comparisons, and Cost Estimates
ALBANY, NY. (November 16, 2022) – NY State of Health, the State’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced the launch of the 2023 open enrollment period for New Yorkers seeking a consumer-oriented, one-stop shopping experience for public and commercial health insurance. Consumers can begin enrolling or renewing today, November 16, and have until December 15, 2022, to complete their enrollment into a quality, low-cost Qualified Health Plan (QHP), with coverage starting on January 1, 2023.
Certified Enrollment Assistors Available to Meet with Shoppers On Site
ALBANY, NY (October 20, 2022) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced its continued partnership with Rite Aid to help New Yorkers find a health plan that fits their needs and budget. Certified Enrollment Assistors will be available at Rite Aid locations across the state to provide information about affordable coverage, answer questions and make enrollment appointments. Assistors will be available near pharmacies at select locations statewide on October 22, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enrollment for 2022 coverage remains open for Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans (QHP). New Yorkers can newly enroll (or renew current coverage) in a Qualified Health Plan for 2023 starting November 16, 2022.
Consumers Can Preview Affordable and Comprehensive Plan Options Now, Enroll Starting November 16, 2022
Enhanced Federal Financial Assistance Will Remain Available for 2023 Health Coverage
ALBANY, N.Y. (October 5, 2022) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced the health and dental insurance plans offered through the Marketplace for the upcoming 2023 Open Enrollment Period. New Yorkers shopping for a Qualified Health Plan can compare plan options now and be prepared for the 2023 Open Enrollment Period, which begins on November 16, 2022 and runs through January 31, 2023.
ALBANY, N.Y. (August 17, 2022) – “I applaud President Biden’s signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, which extends enhanced financial assistance for health insurance under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The increased access and affordability of health insurance made possible by ARPA’s enhanced financial assistance has allowed NY State of Health to reach momentous enrollment milestones, serving as a critical safety net for individuals and families who lost their jobs and/or income, and providing health insurance to nearly 6.6 million individuals, or one in three New Yorkers, by the end of May 2022.
Extension of the ARPA subsidies as part of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, allows the Marketplace to continue assuring access to low cost, comprehensive coverage, and supports our commitment to give all New Yorkers the opportunity to shop for the best health plan for themselves and their families. Thanks to the ARPA extension, New Yorkers can get help paying for the coverage they need now, to protect their health for the future.”
