Still Time to Enroll
Consumer Demand for Affordable Coverage is High
ALBANY, N.Y. (January 4, 2019) - NY State of Health, New York’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced that as of January 1, 2019 more than 254,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP). With less than one month to go in the 2019 Open Enrollment Period, the number of QHP enrollees has already exceeded QHP enrollment at the end of the 2018 Open Enrollment Period.
“Enrollment through the Marketplace continues to climb at record levels, with more than 4.6 million enrolled across all programs,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “Demand for quality, affordable coverage is high, and we are pleased to be able to offer New Yorkers the protection they need and the health coverage they deserve.”
Enrollment Highlights as of January 1, 2019:
- 254,240 consumers have enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), exceeding enrollment levels at the end of open enrollment in 2018.
- Among the QHP enrollees, 22 percent are new and 78 percent are returning customers.
- Enrollment in the Essential Plan for lower-income New Yorkers is 773,952.
Financial assistance is available to most individuals who buy coverage through NY State of Health. Consumers who are eligible for a Qualified Health Plan with federal tax credits will see no or little increase in monthly costs in 2019. Free or low-cost bronze level Qualified Health Plans are available after tax credits for many lower-income New Yorkers. Bronze level Qualified Health Plans have a higher annual deductible than other metal level plans but provide free preventive care and protect against catastrophic costs.
NY State of Health’s advertising and outreach efforts will increase throughout January to ensure that New Yorkers know about the upcoming enrollment deadline. This will include more paid advertising, targeted email reminders to consumers, and participation in events across the state. Consumers can enroll in a health plan online at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov, with the help of an in-person assistor or by calling the Customer Service Center at: 1-855-355-5777.
NY State of Health Customer Service Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
- Extended hours: Saturday, January 12, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 26, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Enrollment Deadlines:
- Enroll by January 15 for coverage starting February 1
- Enroll by January 31 for coverage starting March 1
- January 31, 2019 is the last day to enroll in Qualified Health Plan coverage for 2019
Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan continues through January 31, 2019. After that date, individuals can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan only if they have a life event such as loss of coverage, marriage or birth of a child that qualifies them for a Special Enrollment Period. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan continues throughout the year.
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Contact: New York State Department of Health
518-474-7354 ext. 1
About NY State of Health
New York opened its health plan Marketplace, NY State of Health in October 2013. The Marketplace’s one stop health insurance shopping experience offers high quality comprehensive health plans. NY State of Health is the only place where consumers can qualify to get help paying for coverage through premium discounts or tax credits. Eligible New Yorkers can also enroll in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan through the Marketplace all year. For more information about the NY State of Health Marketplace, please visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov,/,call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1-800-662-1220 or find an enrollment assistor.