Health coverage deadlines approach

Enrollees in New York's Public Health Insurance programs must renew insurance by deadline to avoid gap in health insurance coverage

√ New York State of Health Marketplace assisting consumers through its website and customer service center at 855-355-5777

√ Governor issues public service announcement here encouraging people to renew coverage

Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged eligible New Yorkers to renew their health insurance coverage as insurance renewal deadlines rapidly approach. The governor also issued a public service announcement to get the message out to New Yorkers.

"A variety of free and low-cost health insurance options are available for New Yorkers across our state," Hochul said. "If you are eligible or have been notified about an expiring policy, please take action as soon as possible. New York will continue to do everything in our power to ensure all eligible New Yorkers can access affordable, high-quality health care."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Maintaining continuous health insurance coverage for those eligible through the NYS of Health Marketplace options is a top priority. I want to thank Gov. Hochul for lending her voice to the effort to remind New Yorkers to renew their public health insurance, as automatic renewals during the public health emergency have ended. The State Health Department remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued access during this process."

A press release stated, “Over 9 million New York state residents are currently enrolled in public health insurance programs Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. Enrollees have not had to renew their health insurance since early 2020 due to COVID-19 continuous coverage provisions; however, those provisions have ended, and the state is required to begin renewals again. Renewal notices are being mailed based on individual enrollment end dates. The first redeterminations, or renewals, for public program enrollees are for individuals with coverage ending on June 30, 2023.

“Beginning in March 2023, current New York state enrollees began receiving renewal notices in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions of how to stay covered and their deadline to take action. Enrollees are encouraged to make sure their address, phone number and other contact information is up to date with their local Department of Social Services, HRA or NY State of Health.

“All redeterminations are required to be completed by May 2024. The New York State Department of Health will continue to promote the public health enrollment unwind through targeted outreach activities, including a robust public education campaign and close partnership with health care providers to ensure they are equipped to help consumers through the process.

“Local departments of Social Services statewide have educational materials, videos and digital assets to support districts in their efforts to keep consumers covered. Please see more about the return of renewals for New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid, Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus through NY State of Health here.

“You can find more info on the NYS Medicaid website. The NY State of Health Marketplace is assisting consumers through their website and at 855-355-5777. New Yorkers may also sign up to receive SMS/MMS text alerts from NY State of Health to stay aware of important health insurance updates, including when it's time to renew coverage. To subscribe, text START to 1-866-988-0327.”