New York extends health insurance deadline to Sept. 15
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ALBANY — The deadline to enroll in the state’s health insurance marketplace has been extended another 30 days to Sept. 15, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday.
New Yorkers who enroll in qualified health plans directly through insurers or through the marketplace known as NY State of Health by that date will have their coverage start either Sept. 1 or Oct. 1. Those who are eligible for other state-subsidized health coverage such as Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the state’s Essential Plan can still enroll year-round.
The enrollment deadline has been extended several times this year in hopes that people would not hesitate to pursue testing or medical care for the coronavirus due to lack of health coverage, Cuomo said.
“While we’ve crushed the curve of the virus, we are still in challenging times for hard-working families throughout the state who need access to quality, affordable health care,” Cuomo said. “The state has maintained low infection rates and is moving in the right direction, but we know we’re not out of the woods yet. By offering this special enrollment period, we’re making sure New Yorkers who need affordable and at times live-saving health care coverage can get it.”
Cuomo also noted that individuals who have lost employer coverage must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage; individuals who have lost income may be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or subsidized Qualified Health Plans.
“NY State of Health continues to serve as a safety net for New Yorkers in need of health insurance coverage during this unprecedented public health emergency,” said Donna Frescatore, state Medicaid director and executive director of the state’s health insurance marketplace. “Individuals can find and enroll in affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and our Customer Service Center and enrollment assistors are available to help with this process.”
Consumers can apply for coverage through the state marketplace online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, or by connecting with a free enrollment assistor.
