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Because of actions taken by the federal government, by the end of Tuesday, the state’s healthcare program known as the Essential Plan will leave some enrollees without care unless they act.
Those enrolled in the basic tiers of the Essential Plan (1 – 4) will remain covered by the plan.
But those enrolled in the expanded Essential Plan who earn between 200 and 250% of the federal poverty level, will need to take action by visiting the New York State of Health marketplace at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling 855-355-5777.
“If they go to the marketplace, which is their alternative because many of these people work either part-time jobs or low-wage jobs that don’t actually offer coverage, they will be looking at plans, even the cheapest Bronze Plan is about $1000 per month,” Lis Benjamin, vice president of health initiatives at the Community Service Society, told Capital Tonight.
The good news is that many individuals will also be eligible for advanced premium tax credits that could cut that monthly cost by half.
To find out whether you’re eligible, visit the New York State of Health website to apply for the tax credits.
If you need further assistance, call the Community Service Society and ask for a personal assistant at 888-614-5400. They will work with you to find the best healthcare coverage as well as all the tax credits you’re eligible for.
According to Benjamin, the New York state Department of Health has been working consistently for months to inform Essential Plan enrollees of their new status.
In a statement to Capital Tonight, the DOH said:
“The Department is committed to supporting New Yorkers who have lost their Essential Plan coverage as a result of the impact of federal HR1 legislation on New York’s 1332 State Innovation Waiver. This is a challenging time for those impacted by the new laws. We are committed to providing personalized guidance to these New Yorkers as they transition to new plan options through our enrollment assistors, ensuring advance notices and providing resources and information to make the path to new coverage as clear and as smooth as possible.”
DOH sent notices to the 450,000 affected Essential Plan enrollees in April and again in May. The DOH also issued email and text messages to impacted consumers.
While the enrollment window is retroactive to July 1, will end on Aug. 30.
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