As NY State of Health enrollment deadline approaches, Fidelis Care encourages New Yorkers to research options

Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 975,000 members, reminds New Yorkers March 31 is the deadline to apply for coverage through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace.

"If you do not have health insurance, now is the time to research your options and enroll," said Fidelis Care Chief Marketing Officer Pamela Hassen. "More than 30,000 New Yorkers have selected a marketplace product from Fidelis Care, and the coverage is allowing members to make their health a priority without medical bills they can't afford."

All participating health plans offer standardized products, making them easy to compare. The products are organized by metal levels: platinum, gold, silver, bronze, catastrophic and child-only. Each metal level offers the same coverage, but with different premiums, deductibles and levels of cost-sharing.

The Fidelis affordable care adviser can quickly estimate the cost of coverage, including government subsidies and tax credits. Found on the homepage of Fidelis Care's website, fideliscare.org, the affordable care adviser only needs basic information to calculate an estimated monthly cost.

"The affordable care adviser will also let you know if you may qualify for Medicaid. The income guidelines have changed, and many people who did not qualify before 2014 are now finding out they may be eligible," Hassen said.

When enrolling, Hassen advised anyone who needs coverage should make sure they have important information on hand, including social security numbers and birth dates of family members who will be covered. Employer and income information, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms, is also required.

"We encourage anyone who needs help to meet with one of our trained representatives at our office, a community location, or even at your home," Hassen said. "They are experts and can make sure you enroll correctly and sign up for assistance if you are eligible."

For more information or assistance with enrollment, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.