State extends enrollment for health coverage

NEW YORK STATE--Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced New York's health insurance open enrollment period will be further extended to May 15. With this extension, New York joins the federal marketplace and other state-based marketplaces giving consumers more time to enroll for 2021.
New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York's health insurance marketplace, nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or directly through insurers.
"As we continue to navigate the huge challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and work toward rebuilding for a post-pandemic world, ensuring New Yorkers have access to affordable healthcare is more important than ever," Cuomo said. "This commonsense step to extend open enrollment aligns with the federal government's actions and will help New Yorkers keep themselves and their families safe. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to explore the different plans NY State of Health has to offer and get insured today."
Coverage start dates will vary:
Enroll March 15: Coverage starts April 1
Enroll by April 15: Coverage starts May 1
Enroll by May 15: Coverage starts June 1
Most marketplace enrollees qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of their coverage.
Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs--Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus--can enroll year-round.
Superintendent of Financial Services Linda A. Lacewell said, "Ensuring access to affordable and quality medical care for all New Yorkers is critical during this ongoing global pandemic. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York has again extended its open enrollment period, aligning with President Biden's executive order, providing uninsured New Yorkers another opportunity to select a New York state health insurance provider to access the care they may need. We urge New Yorkers to sign up today through NY State of Health."
President Joe Biden announced at the end of January he would sign an executive order to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
The order allowed for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Health Insurance Marketplace in 36 states from Monday, Feb. 15, to Saturday, May 15.
According to the White House, the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has affected millions of people throughout the country, and many Americans remain uninsured or underinsured. The SEP allows individuals and families to enroll in the health coverage and consumers who are uninsured can take the opportunity to look for coverage and find out if they qualify for financial assistance. Currently, nine out of 10 consumers enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov receive financial help.
Federal agencies have also been directed to re-examine:
• Policies that undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions, including complications related to COVID-19;
• Demonstrations and waivers under Medicaid and the ACA that may reduce coverage or undermine the programs, including work requirements;
• Policies that undermine the Health Insurance Marketplace or other markets for health insurance;
• Policies that make it more difficult to enroll in Medicaid and the ACA; and
• Policies that reduce affordability of coverage or financial assistance, including for dependents.