Fortunately, New York is one of the states with a robust and expanded Medicaid program. This means that while the Federal deadline to enroll for 2014 coverage through the health marketplace has passed, thousands of economically challenged New Yorkers may still have options to access healthcare they need.
Free Coverage for Low-Income New Yorkers
Individuals and families with qualifying incomes (up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level) can sign up to get free coverage under Medicaid, and children can be enrolled under CHIP at ANY TIME during the year.
Special Enrollment Periods
Also, any individuals who don’t meet the income requirements for Medicaid but experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) are eligible to apply for comprehensive private plans with rates that are 53% lower than pre-ACA rates in New York State. Examples of QLEs include, but are not limited to:
- Job loss or change in income
- Recent loss of health coverage (i.e. your employer dropped your insurance)
- Marriage, birth, death, adoption, divorce, or similar change in family status
To receive coverage because of a QLE, the application must be started within 60 days of the event.For more information on applying for Medicaid or a Special Enrollment period, please check out this helpful link How Can I Get Coverage Outside of Open Enrollment or contact New York State of Health.
Volunteer to Spread the Word!
GNYCfC has helped GetCoveredNY enroll over 4,000 New Yorkers in free or affordable coverage. We continue to play an active role in the outreach to help insure the uninsured so as to improve health outcomes across many communities.If you would like to volunteer with us to raise awareness about the options for affordable care, please contact Linda Ricci at getcoveredny@gmail.com.
Hope to see you this summer!
Tasha Williams for GNYCfC