N.Y. State Health Dept. Promotes Affordable Health Insurance at Farmers Markets Across the State

ALBANY, New York, July 15 -- The New York State Department of Health issued the following news release on July 14, 2022:

NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, today announced its continued partnership with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to educate shoppers at farmers markets throughout New York State this summer about low-cost, high-quality health coverage.

Consumers must enroll by August 15, 2022, for coverage beginning September 1, 2022. Certified Enrollment Assistors will be available at select markets this summer to answer any questions, set up enrollment appointments and provide educational materials about health insurance through the Marketplace.

"We are excited to once again make information about affordable health insurance available to farmers market shoppers across the state," NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said. "Through this partnership with the NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets and local farmers markets, we are able to meet consumers in locations that are convenient to them, making it easy for them to find a good, low-cost health plan while shopping for healthy food."

"Thanks to this fantastic partnership with the Department of Health, we are working to help ensure all New Yorkers have access to healthy food options and affordable health coverage.

These participating farmers' markets provide a great venue for consumers to get their health insurance questions answered while also enjoying some of the delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables grown by New York's farmers," NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Ball said.

Details on summer farmers market locations will have NY State of Health Assistors on site are included here (https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/events?combine=farmers%27&field_city=&field_event_date_value=&field_event_date_value_1=&field_location_postal_code=&center%5Bcoordinates%5D%5Blat%5D=&center%5Bcoordinates%5D%5Blng%5D=&field_location_geoloc_proximity=&antibot_key=fKXdB4uL8DEiQ6adnoiOw2GlHC2e5tKgRYlJ2NWArq8).

Qualified Health Plan enrollees may be eligible to receive expanded federal tax credits through the American Rescue Plan Act to lower their 2022 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. Child Health Plus provides additional dental and vision coverage.

Since the start of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) in March 2020, coverage has been automatically extended to New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus or Essential Plan. Once the federal PHE ends, consumers will once again need to take action to keep their coverage.

To avoid a gap in coverage, 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. In preparation of the PHE ending, 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

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Original text here: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-07-14_affordable_health_insurance.htm