With Open Enrollment Underway, Drivers Urged to Enroll in a Quality, Affordable Health Plan
ALBANY, NY (November 8, 2017) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced a new partnership with ride sharing companies Lyft and Uber. Through the partnership, Lyft and Uber will reach more than 200,000 drivers throughout New York State urging them to visit the Marketplace to shop for and enroll in quality, affordable health insurance. NY State of Health will work directly with Lyft and Uber to promote coverage options and enrollment opportunities for drivers through an email campaign, In-App notifications and in-person education on coverage options.
“Many of these drivers are self-employed and likely in need of health insurance coverage,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “NY State of Health thanks Lyft and Uber for recognizing the value of the Marketplace to their drivers, and for helping us connect with them to provide information on how to find quality, affordable health plans through the Marketplace.”
Outreach to drivers will include:
- Information sessions
- Distribution of educational materials
- Email campaign to drivers
- Promotion through online driver portals
The partnership is expected to reach approximately 200,000 drivers through both companies and runs through January 31, 2018, the end of the 2018 Open Enrollment Period.
"Lyft is happy to partner with NY State of Health to educate drivers about the open enrollment period," said Vipul Patel, Lyft General Manager for New York City.
"Uber is proud to team up with NY State of Health to spread the word about affordable health insurance plans and coverage options available to New Yorkers through the Marketplace," said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber NY General Manager. "Through in-app messages, emails, and in-person information sessions, we will help inform thousands of drivers about the opportunity to enroll."
More than 4 million individuals throughout New York State – that’s more than 1 in 5, New Yorkers - have enrolled in quality, affordable health insurance coverage through NY State of Health. Many individuals who qualify for federal tax credits to purchase a Qualified Health Plan will see premiums for comparable coverage decrease in 2018. On average, consumers who select the most popular silver level plan will see their premium decrease by five percent. In addition, Bronze level Qualified Health Plan coverage is available for free for individuals earning $25,000 in 43 counties of the state and costs between $8 to $44 per month in the other 19 counties. Bronze coverage offers free preventive care, catastrophic coverage and satisfies the federal mandate to have health insurance.
Entering the fifth open enrollment period, New York is more committed than ever to ensuring that consumers have the health coverage that is best for them. Consumers must enroll by December 15, 2017, for coverage beginning January 1, 2018. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.
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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/ or call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1.800.662.1220. You can also use our website to find an enrollment assistor or broker.
Contact: NY State Department of Health
518.474.7354 ext. 1