Rite Aid Joins CVS, Kinney Drugs, ShopRite and TOPS in NY State of Health Awareness Effort
Albany, NY (October 30, 2017) – NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, has expanded its outreach campaign with pharmacy retailers across the state to more locations, reaching more consumers. This year, Rite Aid joins CVS Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs, ShopRite Supermarkets and TOPS Pharmacies in the effort to educate their customers about quality, low-cost health insurance options available through NY State of Health.
“Pharmacies are places where consumers seek information about how to improve their health, so making assistors available at local pharmacies to answer questions about how to get affordable health coverage is a natural fit,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “Our pharmacy partners continue to recognize the value of affordable health insurance coverage, and we thank them for once again giving us the opportunity to meet with consumers in their stores.”
More than 4 million New Yorkers – 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. As we enter the fifth open enrollment period, beginning November 1, 2017, New York is more committed than ever to ensuring that consumers have the health coverage that is best for them.
During the 2018 Open Enrollment Period, retailers will share information with shoppers at CVS Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs, Rite Aid, ShopRite and TOPS Pharmacies throughout the state. In-person enrollment assistors will be at dozens of these retail locations to talk to consumers about NY State of Health and the options for affordable health coverage.
Consumers who have questions about enrolling or renewing their coverage can contact the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777 or a certified in-person assistor. The 2018 Open Enrollment Period for Qualified Health Plans begins November 1 and runs through January 31, 2018. 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.
To find a NY State of Health event at a retail location near you, click here.
CVS Pharmacy: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 4:00-6:00 P.M.
- November 1, 2017
- December 6, 2017
- January 10, 2018
TOPS Pharmacies: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M.
- November 7, 2017
- December 5, 2017
- January 9, 2018
Kinney Drugs: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 4:00-7:00 P.M.
- November 8, 2017
- January 3, 2018
ShopRite: Assistors will be available on the following dates from 11:00 A.M. -1:00 P.M.
- November 10, 2017
- January 3, 2018
CVS Pharmacy Senior Vice President Brian Bosnic said, “Understanding the many health insurance plan options available to New Yorkers isn’t easy. That’s why we’re pleased to partner with NY State of Health to offer in-store insurance assistors who can help consumers better understand their options and better determine which plan best meets their health and pharmacy care needs. In addition, we offer insurance information at all of our stores in New York and online to provide further guidance to consumers.”
Kinney Drugs Director of Pharmacy Operations David Adsit said, “It’s always been our mission to improve our patient’s health outcomes, which is why we continually offer services to our patients that will add value and have a positive impact for them. We know making personal health care decisions, such as selecting your medical insurance, can be a stressful and time-consuming process. This is why we continue to partner with NY State of Health to provide our patients with the information and option they need to make the right decisions when it comes to their health insurance.”
Rite Aid Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Tammy Royer said, “At Rite Aid, we’re always working to provide our customers and patients with information, products and services that help them live healthier lives. Rite Aid is pleased to join the NY State of Health pharmacy campaign for the 2018 Open Enrollment Period and help New Yorkers access information on health insurance options for the coming year at our more than 500 locations statewide.”
ShopRite Supermarkets Vice President of Operations Tom Urtz said, “ShopRite is committed to improving the total health and wellness of its customers, and offers a full suite of health and wellness services including retail dietitian and pharmacy programs. As part of that commitment, our team helps educate consumers on health-related issues both through our in-store programs and through strategic partnerships and collaborations with other organizations including schools, local hospitals and non-profits. 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 Brian Huckle said, “TOPS Pharmacies are always willing to assist with the State and others in revealing health care options for our TOPS customers.”
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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