New York State of Health open enrollment approaching

Now that fall has arrived, it's a good time to think about renewing your health insurance or enrolling in a plan during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period. Whether you are uninsured, underinsured or thinking of shopping for a new plan, open enrollment for the 2024 plan year is just around the corner. New York State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace will be entering its open enrollment period beginning Nov. 1, 2023 for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Open enrollment is the time of year eligible consumers can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) provide comprehensive coverage, including free preventive care. Many individuals and families will be eligible for financial assistance to reduce the cost of coverage. Not only are there tax credits to lower monthly premiums, but you may also be eligible for cost-sharing reductions to reduce co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. New York remains committed to offering affordable, comprehensive coverage.

It's also important to remember that individuals who qualify for the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or Medicaid may enroll during any month of the year. If you are currently enrolled in any of these public health insurance programs, New York State Department of Health wants to remind you that you will need to renew your health insurance based on your coverage end date. Renewal notices, which will be sent to enrollees in these programs on a rolling basis, will include the deadline for an enrollee to take action to renew their insurance, or risk having a gap in coverage.

Individuals seeking free in-person assistance from a Navigator can call the Healthcare Consortium at 518-822-9600 or toll free at 1-800-980-5530 to schedule an appointment. The Healthcare Consortium is a NY State of Health grantee that administers the Navigator Program in Columbia and Greene counties. The Consortium has certified Navigators who can help individuals and families shop for, compare and enroll in Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, and Qualified Health Plans with or without tax credits. Those whose circumstances have changed, such as a change in employment, may find that they are newly eligible for financial assistance to obtain affordable health coverage. Appointments can be made during regular business hours of operation, as well as in the early morning, evenings and weekends.

Walk-ins are welcome. Our Navigators can also assist by phone at this time. The Healthcare Consortium has staff that speak Spanish and can utilize the language line to assist consumers in other languages. Our service is free.

Individuals seeking assistance may also call the NY State of Health Customer Service Center (1-855-355-5777), which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. and can assist the public in more than 48 different languages. New Yorkers can also access available plans, estimated costs and financial assistance for their county by using the Tax Credit and Premium Estimator at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

The Healthcare Consortium is a non-profit organization with a mission of improving access to healthcare and supporting the health and well-being of the residents in our rural community. The agency is located at 325 Columbia St. in Hudson. For more information: visit www.columbiahealthnet.org or call 518-822-8820.