NY State of Health and NYS Parks “Jump in” to Share Health Coverage Information at Learn-to-Swim Programs

Certified Enrollment Assistors On-Site at Select Free Swim Programs Across NYS

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 16, 2018) - NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, and NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are educating families about affordable health insurance coverage at free Learn-to-Swim programs this summer. Certified enrollment assistors will be available at select Learn-to-Swim locations to answer questions about enrolling in a health plan through the Marketplace. NYS Parks offers free Learn-to-Swim classes for all ages and levels, varying from swim lessons to water safety presentations at locations across the state.

"These free-swimming lessons give kids a chance to learn a skill vital to their safety, and allow parents and caregivers to get information about health plans that provide the security that comes with good health insurance coverage," said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. "Our certified experts will be on-site at select parks to answer any questions about how to enroll in health coverage, and to set up enrollment appointments."

"State Parks is proud to offer free learn-to-swim lessons at our park pools, lakes and ocean beaches across the state. In addition to being a vital life-skill, swimming at our state parks is a fun and healthy outdoor activity," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "I encourage families participating in learn-to-swim programs this summer to take some time while at the park to learn more about NY State of Health and what it offers. State Parks is pleased to be a part of efforts to strengthen the health of New Yorkers in all the communities we serve."

NY State of Health assistors will be on site at the following NYS parks:

Roberto Clemente State Park: 301 W Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10453
July 16th and July 17th from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Grafton Lakes State Park: 100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Cropseyville, NY 12052
July 16th and July 17th from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Fort Niagara State Park: 1 Scott Ave, Youngstown, NY 14174
July 19th and July 20th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Lake Taghkanic State Park: 1528 State Route 82, Ancram, NY 12502
July 19th and July 20th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Glimmerglass State Park: 1527 County Highway 31. Cooperstown, NY 13326
July 23rd and July 24th from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Oquaga Creek State Park: 5995 Co Rd 20, Bainbridge, NY 13733
July 30th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Approximately 3,000 of New York's children will have the opportunity to learn how to swim for free this summer, thanks to the state's annual "Learn-to-Swim" program. Classes are taught for all ages and levels varying from swim lessons to water safety presentations at locations across the state. These classes will build on the instruction already offered at state park facilities as part of programs arranged by summer camps, municipalities and other partner organizations.

All health plans offered through NY State of Health cover preventive care, such as routine doctor visits and screenings, at no additional cost. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan is open all year. While the 2018 Open Enrollment Period for Qualified Health Plans has ended, some consumers who have recently experienced a qualifying life event may be eligible to enroll through a special enrollment period.