Registration for ObamaCare opens in New York: how to buy health insurance profitably

Most New Yorkers can purchase State of Health Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. Application period for New Yorkers begins November 16 and runs through January 31, reports American Association of Retirees.

All applicants will be able to save on insurance premiums thanks to extended federal tax credits in the COVID-19 relief bill passed in March 2020.

The premiums for most people already in ACA plans will also decline this year. The recently adopted American Bailout Plan increases tax breaks for premiums and increases the number of families who are eligible for them.

Every household that pays contributions of more than 8,5% of their income is now eligible for a federal tax credit. These families can now afford to pay for health insurance.

The federal government says the average American will be able to save $ 600 a year through the new program. For now, this additional federal financial assistance will only be available in 2021 and 2022.

Who can participate

• Most New Yorkers, including non-US citizens with work or student visas, are eligible to purchase health insurance through New york state of health, regardless of whether they are currently insured. People in custody are not eligible. Information is available at spanish, korean, traditional и Simplified Chinese languages.
• You may also be eligible for Medicaid. This program offers free or low-cost coverage for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid is also available to those living in long-term care facilities and people with certain disabilities.
• Illegal immigrants and low-income pregnant women are also eligible for insurance in case Emergency Medicaid... It covers medical emergencies. You can register before or within three months of the emergency. Have immigrants in New York there are many health insurance options available depending on their status.
• You and your family members may also be eligible for other plans. For example, Child health plus for those under the age of 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid or Essential Plan... These plans are designed to fill the coverage gap for non-Medicaid families and individuals.

Register

• Registration will take place from November 16 to January 31.

• You can register at any time within the open registration. You only have 60 days from the time you receive help or go to the hospital to register. Qualifying events include certain illnesses, birth and adoption, and loss of employer coverage. They also include marriage, divorce, and special circumstances such as job loss or divorce.

Registration methods

You apply for coverage and at the same time choose your plan... You will need to pay your first monthly premium to start coverage and get your health insurance card. To apply and register:

• Online: go to New York State of Health website and click Register Today.

• By phone: Call the New York State Customer Service Center at 855-355-5777 (press 5). The service is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00. If you are hearing impaired, call 800-662-1220 (TTY is on).

• Personally: Call the New York State of Health Customer Service Center at 855-355-5777 (press 5) for personal assistant assistance. Representatives called “helpers” and “navigators” will help you and your family choose a plan and assist with enrollment. They speak over 40 languages. Help is provided free of charge on weekdays and weekends and even in the evenings. Use the New York State of Health online search engine to find a navigator in your area.

What is covered and how much will it cost

Coverage and cost depend on where you live and the plan you choose. Also important are family income, age and disability.

If you are Medicaid eligible, you can get free or low-cost coverage. You may not have to worry about premiums or co-payments based on your income level.

All New York State of Health plans cover 10 "core" benefits, including:

• emergency care and hospitalization;
• pregnancy, motherhood and newborn care;
• mental health services (including counseling);
• treatment of chronic diseases and pediatric care;
• prescription drugs.

Insurance companies cannot deny coverage due to pre-existing situations or illnesses. When you apply, you can determine your medical needs and choose the plan that suits you.

All New York State of Health plans cover basic dental services for children, including cleaning and examinations. But adults who want dental insurance must add it to their policy.

New federal premium aid

If the family is eligible and pays premiums in excess of 8,5% of annual income, they may receive federal premium tax credits. For example, according to Kaiser Family Foundation, a single 64-year-old applicant who makes $ 51 a year, could potentially save more than $ 000 through the new tax credits.

Is other financial assistance possible?

Yes. If you are eligible for a premium tax credit, you can also qualify for a discount. You must enroll in a Silver plan to receive this assistance.

If you received unemployment benefits this year, even for just one week, you may qualify for premium health insurance.

What plans are available

New York State of Health plans divided into four categories:

• Bronze plan provides the lowest monthly fees and the highest deductions and co-payments. They cover approximately 60% of the cost of care and treatment. It will help in case of serious illness or injury.
• Silver plan provides moderate monthly fees. It covers approximately 70% of the cost of care and treatment. This is the only plan eligible for co-pay discounts.
• Gold plan provides for higher monthly premiums. It covers approximately 80% of the cost of care and treatment.
• Platinum plan provides the highest monthly fees and the lowest deductions and co-payments. They cover approximately 90% of the cost of care and treatment. It is intended for people in need of serious medical attention. The Platinum plan is also available for those willing to pay the highest premiums.

New York State of Health Comparison Tool allows you to evaluate the costs and benefits of different plans. It allows you to check if you are eligible for financial assistance.

You already have health insurance

If you already have coverage from your employer or directly through your insurance provider, but are eligible for lower premiums, you can change it. But you may not be eligible for tax credits if you opt out of insurance provided by your employer. An exception is when these contributions exceed a certain portion of your household's income. You can qualify for tax breaks in two ways:

• when premiums are more than 9,83 percent of your household income for individual insurance;
• when premiums are over 8,27 percent for family insurance.

Do you need a new doctor

Yes and no. Major insurance companies offer health plans, but not all wizards they are accepted. Including Empire Blue Cross and UnitedHealthcare of New York. You can talk to your healthcare professional or use New York State of Health Comparison Toolto see if a particular doctor or health care provider will accept your chosen insurance plan.

Will family members be eligible for the same health insurance plan

It depends on a number of factors. You can enroll with the whole family. But in some cases, some family members are also eligible for payments or other programs. For complete information, you need to clarify the age, income and degree of disability or guardian status.