Are you uninsured? It’s mandated that all New Yorkers have health insurance, and there are so many benefits to being insured. Health insurance will protect you from both health and financial risks, allowing you to take advantage of preventive healthcare, maintain your health, and treat any future illnesses and accidents. Ready to get insured? The NY State of Health Marketplace is now open for business!

The NY State of Health Marketplace offers free or low-cost health insurance plans for you and your family. The 2018 Open Enrollment period begins November 1, 2017. Despite the recent executive orders at the federal level, nothing has changed for New Yorkers regarding 2018 coverage options.

Public Health Solutions (PHS) can help you and your family apply for low- or no-cost health coverage. Don’t put it off – 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.

Meanwhile, we’ve highlighted some important enrollment and renewal tips to make sure you get covered for 2018.

New to the NY State of Health Marketplace?

When to Sign Up

The 2018 Open Enrollment period for Qualified Health Plans begins November 1, 2017 and closes on January 31, 2018. However, for coverage starting on January 1, you must sign up by December 15, 2017. 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 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 telling you three important items:

  • What insurance program you qualify for in 2018
  • The cost of your coverage in 2018
  • Actions you must take, if any, to renew your coverage for 2018

When to Renew

You can renew or update your coverage starting November 16, 2017. 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 2018 annual income.

Choose a Health Plan for 2018

By now you should have received a notice in the mail from NY State of Health regarding whether your plan is still available to you in 2018. You can view plan options before renewing on the NY State of Health site. If you’re not eligible for the same plan next year or 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.

Get Health Insurance Enrollment Help

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