US ending pandemic-era provision that auto-renewed health insurance

For the first time in three years, many people in New York state need to update their eligibility information to renew their health coverage.

Based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, signed into law by President Biden on Dec. 29, 2022, the "continuous enrollment condition" for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan and Managed Long Term Care coverage that began in March 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency will soon end. Most New York state residents who have coverage through these plans will need to update their eligibility information as part of the renewal process over the next 12 months, depending on their coverage end dates.

The return to an annual renewal process is a major change from the past three years, when coverage was extended automatically with no action needed by the member.

Those who enrolled in health insurance via NY State of Health can visit www.nystateofhealth .ny.gov or call NYSOH from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 1-855-355-5777; (TTY: 1-800-662-1220).

Fidelis Care is doing an outreach and awareness campaign that will involve more than 2 million members. Fidelis members can visit fidelis care.org/renew for more information, visit fideliscare.org/offices for physical locations and hours, or call from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 1-866-435-9521.