Today welcomes November, and of course, open enrollment for health insurance. Our health insurance navigators have shared everything you need to enroll under the NY State of Health Marketplace.
The NY State of Health Marketplace offers free or low-cost health insurance plans for you and your family. The 2019 Open Enrollment period begins TODAY – November 1, 2018.
Here at Public Health Solutions (PHS), we can help you and your family apply for low- or no-cost health coverage. Call 1 (800) 344-4306 to speak with one of our certified navigators today. We’ll walk you through the sign-up process step by step, answer questions about eligibility, and help you find a plan that’s right for you and your family.
And for enrollees who are renewing their coverage this year, over 95% will see no cost increase in 2019, including those who are enrolled in Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or eligible to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan with financial assistance, according to the NY State of Health,
Here are some important enrollment and renewal tips to make sure you are covered for 2019.
NY State of Health Marketplace Basics
When to Sign Up
The 2019 Open Enrollment period for Qualified Health Plans begins November 1, 2018 and closes on January 31, 2019. However, for coverage starting on January 1, you must sign up by December 15, 2018. We recommend that you try to enroll by December 15 to avoid any gaps in your coverage.
Be Prepared
Have your information and documents ready before you start the application. You’ll most likely need the following items:
- Information about your household size
- Social Security numbers
- Immigration documents (green card, work authorization card, naturalization certificate)
- ID (license, passport, green card, etc.)
- Award Letters (unemployment, SSB, retirement, alimony)
- Information about your current health insurance, if any
- Information about additional income (rental Income, gambling winnings, etc.)
For information specific to you, call 1 (800) 344-4306 to speak with a PHS navigator or visit our website for a list of PHS sites. You can also visit the NY State of Health site to find a navigator near you.
Check With Your Doctor
You want to be sure that you choose a plan that your primary care provider accepts. Ask your doctor which plans he or she takes before you apply. You can also use this NY State Provider & Health Plan Look-up Tool.
Do Your Research
Find out more about the NY State of Health before starting an application. Be sure to check out the NY State of Health website, and view plans before you apply.
Already Enrolled Through the NY State of Health?
Check the Mail
If you are already enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan through the Marketplace, you should have already received a renewal notice that will include information about how to select a plan, if applicable.
When to Renew
You can renew or update your coverage starting November 16, 2018. For coverage starting January 1, make sure to renew by December 15 to make sure you do not have a gap in your coverage.
Update Your Information
If your income, family size or address have changed, make sure to update your application on the NY State of Health website or tell your navigator. You will also be asked to estimate your 2019 annual income.
Choose a Health Plan for 2019
By now you should have received a notice in the mail from NY State of Health about how to select plan for 2019. You can view plan options before renewing on the NY State of Health site and if you’d like to look into other options available, our navigators are happy to help you pick a new plan.
We have multi-lingual navigators available in all five boroughs and Long Island who can help you enroll in or renew a health plan, step by step. They’re trained to walk you through the entire sign-up process, from helping you determine eligibility, to helping you enroll in a health plan. Give us a call and discuss your specific situation with one of our certified navigators.