NY State of Health Helps New Yorkers Navigate Their Health Insurance Options as They Explore Career Opportunities
Certified Enrollment Assistors Provide Onsite Assistance at Job Fairs Across the State
Enrollees in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan Must Take Action to Renew Coverage Starting Spring 2023
ALBANY, N.Y. (February 15, 2023) – NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, will be attending job fairs throughout the state to educate New Yorkers on the importance of affordable health insurance while they browse potential employment opportunities. Certified enrollment assistors from the Marketplace will be available to help new and returning consumers compare health insurance options, access federal financial assistance, and enroll in a plan that is right for them.
"Job seekers may be currently unemployed, without health insurance, and unaware of their options. It is our priority to make sure New Yorkers have access to health coverage, no matter where they are in their career search," NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said. "Assistors at these job fairs will help new consumers enroll and take advantage of possible financial assistance and prepare current enrollees who may need to renew their coverage this spring."
NY State of Health assistors will be present at the following job fairs.
Eligible New Yorkers who enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) will continue to receive enhanced federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Actto lower their premiums, including higher-income consumers who may qualify for financial assistance for the first time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the over 9 million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP), and the Essential Plan (EP) had their coverage automatically extended without eligibility reviews during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). However, federal rules require eligibility reviews to resume in spring 2023.
Renewal notices for these public program enrollees will be sent this spring and will include the deadline to renew before risking a gap in insurance coverage. Deadlines will be based on consumers' enrollment end dates, ranging from June 30, 2023, through May 31, 2024. Enrollment in a QHP will remain open through spring of 2024, to allow consumers who are no longer eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the Essential Plan to remain covered under a QHP. Learn more about these important changes here.
To avoid a gap in coverage, NY State of Health is encouraging enrollees to update their accounts and make sure their contact information is current. Consumers can also receive text messages with important health insurance updates, including when it's time to renew, by texting START to 1-866-988-0327. (To receive text alerts in Spanish, consumers can text INICIAR to the same number.)
There are three ways to enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace:
- Meet with an enrollment assistor (in person or by phone) – you can find assistance here.
- Call the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777.
- Go online to https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov. A chat feature is available on the website during customer service center hours to help you complete your application.
