New York: @NYStateofHealth urges residents to review insurance options at their library this spring

via NY State of Health:

Enrollment Assistors Visit Public Libraries in Upstate New York Throughout April and May to Educate Patrons on Their Health Plan Options and Help Them Enroll

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 13, 2022) - NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced that certified enrollment assistors will be available at public libraries across upstate New York this spring.  The enrollment assistors will visit libraries throughout April and May to educate New Yorkers about enrolling in quality, affordable health insurance. Assistors will provide in-person support to library patrons by educating them on their plan options, answering questions, scheduling appointments, and helping with enrollment. 

“NY State of Health is excited to host more in-person events like this partnership with public libraries to provide health insurance enrollment assistance, so people can get the health care they need.” said NY State of Health Executive Director, Danielle Holahan.  “Slowing the spread of COVID-19 remains a priority, and access to high-quality, affordable health insurance is more important than ever.”

For a directory of participating libraries and the dates assistors will be visiting, please click here.

Enrollment assistors will also educate consumers about the availability of expanded federal financial help through the American Rescue Plan Act. They will offer valuable information and assistance to current and new enrollees who qualify, including higher-income New Yorkers who may be eligible for savings on heath insurance for the first time.  

The deadline for the 2022 Open Enrollment Period for Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) will remain open throughout the duration of the federal public health emergency, which was first declared in March 2020.  Additionally, enrollees in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan have had their coverage automatically extended during this time.  Once the federal public health emergency ends, consumers will once again need to take action to keep their coverage. To help New Yorkers prepare for this, NY State of Health is encouraging consumers to opt-in for text messages, that will remind them to keep their account information up to date, and when to renew their health insurance and avoid a gap in coverage.  

Consumers can sign up for NY State of Health text alerts by texting START to 1-866-988-0327.

The Marketplace provides new and returning consumers many quality, low-cost health insurance options, with a choice of QHPs in every county.  The Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus are open for enrollment to eligible New Yorkers year-round.

Consumers continue to have a choice of health plan options and can use the NYS Provider & Health Plan Look-Up Tool to search for preferred provider networks, including doctors and hospitals.  Free enrollment assistance is provided in local communities throughout the state.

Consumers can enroll in a health plan by:

• Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777
  • Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Logging onto the website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov
• Speaking with an enrollment assistor. Find an assistor here.