State launches health plan ‘one-stop-shop’

The first day of a federal government shutdown brought on by a Congress deadlocked over Obamacare funding also marked the launch of the state”™s online health plan marketplace, NY State of Health.

Enrollment in the state exchange by small businesses and individuals began today for insurance coverage that will begin on Jan. 1, when Americans are required to obtain health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Small businesses using the exchange can start their health plan on the first of any month beginning in January.

In the state”™s mid-Hudson region that includes Westchester County, 12 health plans are participating in the new marketplace, according to the state Health Department. They offer four tiers of plan coverage and premium prices, including bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

For small businesses, starting rates in the mid-Hudson region for approved monthly premiums range from $285 for a bronze plan to $479 for a platinum plan, according to the Health Department. For individuals, starting monthly premium rates range from $262 for a bronze plan to $440 for platinum coverage.

All plans include ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, and pediatric services.

State officials estimate there are nearly 295,000 uninsured New Yorkers in the mid-Hudson, Capital and North Country regions and many more are underinsured. At full enrollment statewide, nearly 1.1 million uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers are expected to obtain insurance through the state”™s online marketplace, including an estimated 615,000 individuals and 450,000 small business enrollees.