NY State of Health, NYS Department of Labor Partnership Educates Nearly 225,000 People About Health Plan Options, Announces Participation in Job Fairs

ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 10 -- The New York State Department of Health issued the following news release:

NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, and the NY State Department of Labor (DOL) today announced that since June 2015, nearly 225,000 individuals have been reached through a partnership to inform New York job seekers about affordable health insurance coverage options. Through DOL's Career Centers and at job fairs across the state, job seekers continue to have the opportunity to learn about NY State of Health and their coverage options.

"Our goal is to reach as many New Yorkers as possible and let them know how easy it is to get a good, low-cost health plan through NY State of Health," said New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. "Partnering with DOL is a natural fit because both our agencies have a core mission to help New Yorkers, whether it be by finding affordable health coverage or by finding a job."

"As Governor Cuomo often says, it's important that state agencies coordinate whenever possible to serve the people of New York State," said State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. "Department of Labor Career Centers serve hundreds of thousands of people each year and leveraging our presence in so many communities to expand access to affordable health insurance is smart policy. I thank Commissioner Zucker and Executive Director Frescatore for their continuing cooperation and support. I urge anyone in need of work or who would like information on getting health coverage to visit their local Career Center."

Throughout January, NY State of Health is deploying in-person assistors to 46 Career Center locations where job seekers can make enrollment appointments and obtain more information about NY State of Health. NY State of Health printed materials also are available in all DOL Career Centers.

January is typically when workers who were employed in seasonal positions are applying for unemployment benefits and searching for new jobs. Through this partnership, NY State of Health can reach those who may need affordable health coverage most.

"Our strategy continues to focus on reaching New Yorkers in locations that are convenient to them. Consumers who are looking for jobs likely need health insurance coverage as well," said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. "By talking to consumers where they're already accessing services, we can easily let them know about the types of health plans that NY State of Health offers and enroll them on-the-spot, avoiding gaps in health insurance coverage."

In addition to the ongoing partnership with DOL, NY State of Health continues to provide information to job seekers at job fairs across the state. NY State of Health will be on-site at 4 job fairs in January.

Details on NY State of Health activities in DOL Career Centers and at job fairs throughout January can be found here: https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/events

Open enrollment began on November 1st and runs through January 31, 2017. NY State of Health offers a variety of plans to choose from and is the only place where consumers can get financial help to pay for coverage. Many consumers buying plans through the Marketplace will qualify for increased financial assistance in 2017 to help make coverage more affordable. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.

About NY State of Health

New York opened its health plan Marketplace, NY State of Health, in October 2013. The Marketplace's one-stop health insurance shopping experience offers high quality comprehensive health plans. NY State of Health is the only place where consumers can qualify to get help paying for coverage through premium discounts or tax credits. Eligible New Yorkers can also enroll in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan through the Marketplace all year. For more information about the NY State of Health Marketplace, please visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1-800-662-1220 or find an enrollment assistor.

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