NY State of Health Partners with Communities Across NYC and Long Island to Help Get New Yorkers Covered and if Eligible, Vaccinated

Nearly 99% of NY State of Health Enrollees Qualify for Free or Low-Cost Insurance That Covers Important Benefits, Like Doctor Visits, Mental Health Services, Prescriptions, and More

Certified Enrollment Assistors On-site Answering Questions About Health Coverage Through NY State of Health at COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 17, 2022) – NY State of Health, the State's official health plan Marketplace, today announced that NY State of Health Certified Enrollment Assistors will be available throughout February and March at several COVID-19 vaccination clinics held in fire houses and churches across NYC and Long Island. These clinics will be established in areas where vaccination rates are low, and the uninsured rate is higher than other parts of the state, especially in communities of color. Working with trusted community leaders has helped the NY State Department of Health reach these communities of color and in need.

Certified Enrollment Assistors will be on-site at these vaccination clinics providing free enrollment help for quality, affordable health coverage. Consumers must enroll in a health plan through NY State of Health by March 15, 2022 for coverage starting April 1, 2022.

"Getting vaccinated and boosted and enrolling in quality health coverage are among the best ways to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19," said NY State of Health Executive Director DanielleHolahan. "NY State of Health is partnering with fire departments and churches to establish vaccine clinics with enrollment assistors on site to make it easier for New Yorkers to take care of both at the same time."

Currently, more than 10 events are scheduled in February and March. All vaccinations are free, and the vast majority of NY State of Health enrollees qualify for free or low-cost coverage. No health insurance or appointments are required. Details on participating fire departments and churches areincluded here.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) will remain open for the duration of the federal public health emergency, declared in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.

This Open Enrollment Period, more people than ever qualify for financial assistance for health insurance.The American Rescue Plan has made it possible for more New Yorkers, including higher income individuals and families, to become eligible for increased federal tax credits, lowering the cost of premiums for 2022 health plans.

All health plans offered through NY State of Health cover preventive care, such as routine doctor visits and screenings, at no additional cost. For more information about Marketplace health plans and enrolling in coverage, visit: nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Consumers can enroll in a health plan by:

  • Logging onto the website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov
  • Meeting with an in-person assistor. Find an assistor here.
  • Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777 which is open:
    • Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For Enrollment reminders and updates, consumers may opt in for text messages from NY State of Health by texting "START" to 1-866-988-0327, on their NY State of Health online account or with a Certified Enrollment Assistor. Learn about Terms of service here.