State Joins National Movement Supporting Health Insurance Coverage as Crucial in Battle Against COVID-19
NY State of Health Marketplace Ensures All New Yorkers Have Access to Health Insurance, Can Obtain Testing and Medical Care During Pandemic
ALBANY, N.Y. ( December 10, 2020) - The New York State Department of Health today announced that December 10, 2020 is “Get Covered Day” in New York State, emphasizing the State’s commitment to ensuring access to health care coverage for all New Yorkers. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also issued a proclamation in honor of the designation, as New York joins 15 other states, in addition to broad range of national and local organizations, states, health plans, health advocates and others, in recognizing "Get Covered Day."
“I urge all New Yorkers who do not have health insurance, or need to renew their coverage for next year, to do it on 'Get Covered Day',” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to infect people throughout the country, the high-quality, affordable health insurance available through the state’s health plan Marketplace, NY State of Health, is more important than ever.”
"Get Covered Day" signifies the launch of an unprecedented national campaign that is uniting New York with a broad coalition of states, consumer and patient groups, and health care providers throughout the U.S. to promote both access to health coverage and COVID-19 safe practices like covering your mouth and nose, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
New York has been a leader in expanding access to affordable, comprehensive coverage, cutting the number of uninsured New Yorkers in half between 2013 and 2018, and improving overall population health and wellbeing. NY State of Health (NYSOH), the state’s official health plan Marketplace, continues to serve as a safety net for people who need coverage during the pandemic.
The NYSOH Special Enrollment Period, which commenced in March as a response to the public health emergency, was extended through the end of 2020 so people can continue into 2021 without worrying about a break in health insurance or avoid seeking COVID-19-related testing or medical care due to a lack of coverage.
NYSOH’s Open Enrollment Period for 2021 Qualified Health Plans is underway now. NYSOH’s robust plan options remain consistent with 2020. Everyone currently enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan is encouraged to renew their coverage, and anyone without health insurance should take this opportunity to enroll by visiting https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
December 15, 2020 is the deadline to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2021. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, consumers already enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan will have their coverage continued automatically and do not need to renew at this time.
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Contact: New York State Department of Health
518-474-2043 x. 2
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