New York: NY State of Health partners with food pantries

Smart idea via the NY State of Health ACA exchange:

Increased Visits to Food Pantries During Holiday Season Provide Opportunity to Reach Uninsured New Yorkers

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 25, 2019) – NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, today announced its partnership with food pantries for the third holiday season to educate consumers about enrolling in high quality, affordable health insurance. Food pantries across New York will have certified enrollment assistors on-site throughout November and December to answer questions about health coverage options and how to enroll in a health plan. This year, the Marketplace is also offering eligible New Yorkers the option to receive information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the enrollment process.

NY State of Health’s annual collaboration with food pantries builds upon the state’s steadfast commitment to combating hunger. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York has taken aggressive action to bring hunger relief to thousands of individuals by launching several groundbreaking initiatives that deliver healthier food to underserved communities.

“NY State of Health is pleased to continue working alongside food pantries this holiday season to connect people to the assistance they need securing food and health insurance,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “By providing access to health coverage with free preventive care and nutrition assistance programs that reduce food insecurity, we are supporting the overall health and wellness of New Yorkers and their families.” 

To find a NY State of Health event at a food pantry in your community click here.

NY State of Health also recently partnered with the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to make it easier to access information about SNAP when applying for or renewing health coverage through the Marketplace. SNAP is a federally funded program overseen by OTDA that helps more than 2.6 million New Yorkers, or nearly 1.5 million households, put food on their table each month. Many people who are eligible for Medicaid may also be eligible for SNAP.

Several New Yorkers visiting food pantries may qualify for free or very low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Essential Plan. All health plans offered through NY State of Health cover preventive care, such as routine doctor visits and screenings, at no additional cost. In addition, there are health plans available in every county that offer three free or low-cost sick visits annually.