N.Y. State Health Dept. Educates College Students Statewide About Affordable Health Insurance Options

ALBANY, New York, Sept. 2 -- The New York State Department of Health issued the following news release:

NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, will be hosting informational events at more than 20 colleges across New York State in September. Certified in-person assistors will be available in high-traffic areas on campuses to speak to students about how to get affordable, quality health insurance through the NY State of Health Marketplace.

"Many NYS colleges require students to have health insurance when arriving on campus and NY State of Health is ready to make the enrollment as easy as possible," NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said." By partnering with SUNY and other colleges throughout the state, we are able to help students navigate coverage options and find a health plan that best fits their needs and their budget."

Details on NY State of Health college events can be found here.

Many students may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Essential Plan. Enrollment in the Essential Plan and Medicaid is open year-round.

Individuals eligible to enroll in Qualified Health Plan may be eligible to receive expanded federal tax credits through the American Rescue Plan Act to lower their 2022 and 2023 premiums including higher income New Yorkers who may be eligible for the first time. Nearly 99 percent of NY State of Health enrollees qualify for free or low-cost insurance that covers important benefits including doctor visits, immunizations, mental health services, prescriptions, and hospital care.

All health plans offered through NY State of Health cover preventive care, such as routine doctor visits and screenings, at no additional cost. For more information about Marketplace health plans and enrolling, visit: nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Consumers can sign up for NY State of Health Text alerts to receive important health insurance updates, including when it's time to renew, by texting START to 1-866-988-0327. Current consumers are encouraged to update their NY State of Health account information (mailing address, phone, email) so they know when to renew.

In addition to making appointments with an enrollment assistor at NY State of Health events, consumers can also:

* Call the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777:

- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

- Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

* Log onto the website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-09-01_affordable_health_insurance.htm