2018 Premiums Lower On New York State Health Exchange
Oct. 25--The health exchange in New York still is working and offering 2018 health plans at premiums 5 percent below this year's.
"That's a first for health insurance," said Steve Wood, director of insurance programs for ACR Health during a news conference Tuesday to alert area residents to the health of the Affordable Care Act and its related health plans in New York.
Open enrollment for exchange health plans begins Nov. 1.
ACR Health is paid by the state to act as an insurance navigator, helping residents sign up for exchange health plans and Medicaid. It has assisted 40,000 people in nine counties, with Utica being one of its busiest offices, Wood said.
National news on problems with Affordable Care Act health plans, such as rising premiums and withdrawing insurers, can give the wrong impression, said Executive Director Wil Murtaugh.
"New York State is an extreme success," he said. "It is an overwhelming success. We have seen it transform our clients' lives."
There has been a lot of talk in Washington, D.C., about cutting some funding for the Affordable Care Act or making other changes. If those happen, though, they won't affect plans for 2018, Wood said.
The national open enrollment period this year has been shortened, lasting from Nov. 1 until Dec. 15 this year. But because New York has its own exchange, it sets its own open enrollment period, which will run from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31.
The Medicaid expansion, which lets people who earn up to 138 percent of the poverty level get coverage in New York; the essential plan, which covers people who earn just a little too much for Medicaid; and Child Health Plus are still available, Wood reminded people.
But Child Health Plus, which covers 4,694 children in Oneida County and 1,690 in Herkimer County, is under threat, Wood and Murtaugh said. Its funding expired at the end of September. The U.S. Senate extended it temporarily, but some U.S. representatives want to see the program cut.
For help enrolling in a health plan, call 1-800-475-2430 to set up a navigator appointment or email [email protected].
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