An Update on Health Insurance for New Yorkers

     Navigating the health system can be challenging under normal circumstances.  In these times of COVID-19 with loss of jobs and incomes, it is even more difficult. ACS CAN has compiled the list below to assist you in finding what you need and explain what is available to you in relation to health insurance in New York State. We hope you find this information useful.

COVID-19 Testing coverage

There is NO cost-sharing for COVID testing in state-regulated plans. 

Telehealth Services coverage

There is no cost-sharing for in-network telehealth visits for any type of care when such service would have been covered under the policy if it had been delivered in person. Consumers and small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer (not eliminate) paying health insurance premiums through June 1, 2020.

Need Health Insurance?

To assist New Yorkers that need health coverage, New York now has a special open enrollment period where you can apply for health coverage through New York State of Health through May 15, 2020; you must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.

Having trouble paying your premium if already covered thru New York State of Health?

New York State of Health provided instruction to health plans regarding premium payment and grace period rules during the COVID-19 public health emergency for New York State of Health Programs:  Essential Plan (EP), Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans. (These rules are not applicable for the Medicaid program because there is no premium).  Health Plans are asked (not required) to refrain from disenrolling Essential Plan enrollees who fail to pay their $20 monthly premium; to refrain from disenrolling Child Health Plus subsidized enrollees who fail to pay their monthly premium contribution; and to extend payment deadlines for monthly premium payments for 30 days for Qualified Health Plan enrollees receiving federal tax credits.  Health plans are encouraged (not required) to make grace periods available to full premium enrollees in Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans who are experiencing financial hardship during the period of the public health emergency.

If you need information on the Coronavirus and COVID-19, the American Cancer Society has a wealth of resources at www.cancer.org.