Health insurance sign-ups close Wednesday

Jan. 29--For those not covered, Wednesday will be the last day for New Yorkers to sign up for health insurance through the State of Health Marketplace this year.

This open enrollment season began Nov. 1 and residents have through Wednesday to apply for coverage under a Qualified Health Plan, including Medicaid and essential plans.

The state has continued to see new record high numbers of insured New Yorkers this season, with more than 4.2 million people enrolled across all programs.

As of Jan. 16, a total of 243,600 residents have enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan and 726,300 have signed up for the Essential Plan, numbers surpassing the end of open enrollment in 2017.

In states relying on the federal health insurance marketplace, more than 8.8 million Americans had signed up for 2018 coverage as of Dec. 15. This year's federal open enrollment period was shortened by the new administration, so many officials were surprised by the total number enrolled -- 96 percent of last year's total in half the sign-up time.

New York, in the fifth year of running its own health insurance marketplace, maintained an extended open enrollment period.

"This year's high level of interest in the Marketplace has been unprecedented, and sustained throughout the open enrollment period," N.Y. State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore said in a public statement.

"We're pleased to be able to offer New Yorkers health plans that are truly affordable and provide families the security and protection they need."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last November, New York's uninsured rate has reached a new low of 4.7 percent ­­compared to 10 percent in 2013 when the marketplace opened -- a decline of 900,000 people.

Financial assistance is available to most individuals and families looking to buy coverage through N.Y. State of Health, including federal tax credits.

People who are earning $25,000 a year or less can enroll in Bronze level coverage for free in 43 counties of the state, and most of the north country.

For those eligible, Essential Plan coverage costs $20 or is provided free of charge.

Residents can enroll in a health plan online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or with the help of an in-person assistor or by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777.

Rolling enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan continues throughout the year.

___

(c)2018 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.)

Visit Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.) at www.watertowndailytimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.