In-Store Activities Raise Awareness About Quality, Low-Cost Health Insurance Options
Albany, NY (November 1, 2016) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, is partnering with retailers across the state to raise awareness about quality, low-cost health insurance options. During the 2017 Open Enrollment period, which begins today and runs through January 31, 2017, retailers will be sharing information with shoppers at CVS Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs, TOPS Markets and ShopRite. In-person enrollment assistors will be available at dozens of these retail locations to talk to consumers about NY State of Health and the various options for affordable health coverage.
“Our strategy is to reach New Yorkers in locations that are convenient to them. By talking to consumers in stores where they’re already shopping, we can easily let them know about the types of health plans that NY State of Health offers,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “Thank you to our retail partners for recognizing the value of health insurance coverage, and for providing us with these collaborative opportunities.”
Open enrollment for Qualified Health Plans begins November 1, 2016 and runs through January 31, 2017. Individuals eligible for New York’s new Essential Plan, with premiums at $20 or less a month, and individuals eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus can also enroll during the open enrollment period.
To find a NY State of Health event at a retail location near you visit: http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/events.
CVS Pharmacies: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 4:00-6:00 P.M.
- November 1, 2016
- December 6, 2016
- January 10, 2017
TOPS Markets Pharmacies: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
- November 5, 2016
- January 7, 2017
Kinney Drugs: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 4:00-7:00 P.M.
- November 8, 2016
- January 4, 2017
ShopRite: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 11:00 A.M. -1:00 P.M.
- November 5, 2016
CVS Pharmacy Senior Vice President Brian Bosnic said, “It’s important that New Yorkers understand the many health insurance plans available to them. In addition to offering access to health insurance plan information online and in our stores, we’re excited to partner with NY State of Health to host in-store insurance information events and to arm patients with the tools they need to determine which plan is best for them.”
Kinney Drugs stores President Jim Spencer said, “Helping our customers make informed decisions about their health and their healthcare coverage is extremely important to us. We are pleased to partner with NY State of Health to connect customers with informative and accessible resources about the health insurance options and help them find insurance plans to fit their needs.”
ShopRite Supermarkets Vice President of Operations Tom Urtz said, “In addition to providing a full-service supermarket experience, ShopRite is committed to improving the total health and wellness of its customers. In addition to providing a suite of health and wellness services within our stores through our retail dietitian and pharmacy programs, we are always looking to collaborate with other organizations to educate consumers on health-related issues. We are happy to support NY State of Health and its efforts to raise awareness and help our customers make informed, educated choices when it comes to choosing health insurance coverage.”
Tops Director of Pharmacy Justin Neal said, “Tops is excited to partner with NY State of Health again this year to raise awareness about affordable health care for our communities. The goal of Tops Pharmacy is to offer health and wellness solutions to our customers, and this partnership is an important part of bringing solutions to our communities."
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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 or find an enrollment assistor.
Contact: NY State Department of Health
518.474.7354 ext. 1