In an effort to get all NYC residence covered with health insurance, the NYC Mayors office has begun to push this years open enrollment period for New Yorks online Insurance Marketplace.

Affordable Care Act, Open Enrollment

In an effort to get all NYC residence covered with health insurance, the NYC Mayors office has begun to push this years open enrollment period for New Yorks online Insurance Marketplace.

The Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019. New Yorkers who are new to the Marketplace can enroll now, and people with existing coverage can renew their health plans starting November 16. Consumers must enroll or renew by December 15 for coverage effective January 1, 2019. New Yorkers who previously enrolled through the Marketplace must renew their health insurance each year to maintain coverage.

Many New Yorkers may qualify for low- or no-cost health insurance through the Marketplace. Those whose earnings exceed Medicaid limits may be eligible for the Essential Plan, which also offers a comprehensive coverage package for either a $20 monthly premium or no cost, depending on income. Those earning more may be eligible for Qualified Health Plan coverage, offered by MetroPlus and others, with public subsidies on a sliding scale reflecting income. All the plans cover inpatient and outpatient care, physician services, diagnostic services, mental healthcare and prescription drugs.

New Yorks online Insurance Marketplace is built off the contentious Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. Although its start in 2014, and stronger implementation in 2016 was fraught with political fighting, the act now is strongly supported. Republicans attempts to change or remove the act failed more than once, and is now unopposed in Washington.