The third season of open enrollment in the New York State of Health insurance marketplace for individuals opens on Nov. 1.
Officials at the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State LLC, an advocacy group representing hospitals in the Hudson Valley region and on Long Island, said the marketplace this year has added an Essential Plan for New Yorkers whose incomes are above the Medicaid limit but who still cannot afford the premiums of other marketplace plans.
Depending on income, monthly premiums for the Essential Plan range from zero to $20 per month, according to the Suburban Hospital Alliance. The new plan covers all major medical needs and is only available through the state marketplace.
Open enrollment for individuals ends on Jan. 31, 2016. However, enrollment in the state”™s small business marketplace and Child Health Plus, Medicaid and the Essential Plan are available throughout the year.
Individuals and small businesses can shop the New York State of health marketplace through the online portal www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by calling the state”™s customer service number at 855-355-5777, or by meeting with a state-certified marketplace navigator.
Navigators assist individuals in completing the application for coverage and determine whether the applicant”™s income level and family size qualify them for subsidized insurance premiums, Medicaid coverage, the Essential Plan or Child Health Plus enrollment. Navigators can also help small-business owners determine if they are eligible for any tax credits.
Site locations for navigators in this region are available at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/IPANavigatorSiteLocations.
