New York: NYSoH launches renewals for existing enrollees starting Saturday

Arrrrgh! Don't ask me why, but for some reason I forget about this weird policy of NY State of Health every year:

Press Release: NY State of Health Announces Annual Renewal Begins Saturday

• 500,000 New York State Households Expected to Renew Their Health Plan for the 2020 Plan Year
• Consumers Must Enroll or Renew by December 15 for Coverage Effective January 1

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 14, 2019) - NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced that beginning November 16, the Marketplace will be open for individuals looking to renew or change their health plan for 2020. Open Enrollment for new customers seeking to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan began November 1 and runs through January 31, 2020.  New Yorkers must enroll by December 15 for coverage beginning January 1, 2020.

For some reason--don't ask me why--New York's ACA exchange only allows new enrollees to sign up for the first 15 days of Open Enrollment; current enrollees have to wait until 11/16 to begin actively renewing their policies (or switching to a different one).

Ironically, this is the exact opposite of how Covered California does it--they allow existing enrollees to renew/switch plans for two weeks before new enrollees are allowed to sign up (from 10/15 - 10/31).

Anyway, here's more:

“The message to all consumers – new and returning – is to shop now and enroll by December 15,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “New York’s commitment to coverage is unwavering, and we will continue our efforts to provide New Yorkers with the quality, affordable health coverage they deserve.” 

Renewal notices have been sent to nearly 500,000 households with current Marketplace coverage with information about their 2020 eligibility, health plan options and costs. These notices inform consumers of what actions, if any, they need to take to renew their coverage for 2020. Since the start of the 2020 Open Enrollment Period on November 1, the Customer Service Center has received over 177,000 calls, and more than 334,000 people have visited the NY State of Health website.

NY State of Health offers a choice of health plans across all Marketplace programs in every county of the state, with free in-person assistance available to help consumers determine eligibility for financial assistance, view plan choices and enroll in the best coverage for themselves and their families. There will be no cost increase for nearly all Marketplace enrollees in 2020, including those in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plans who receive tax credits. Consumers who receive premium tax credits will see no change, or in some cases a small decrease, in the cost of coverage compared to 2019.

The NY State of Health 2020 advertising campaign is underway, once again reinforcing that all New Yorkers deserve affordable health care. Advertising will also highlight that NY State of Health is here to help consumers compare plans and find the one that fits their needs, by offering financial help, free preventive services and options with low premiums and low out-of-pocket costs. Ads will continue statewide throughout the Open Enrollment Period with a specific focus in Queens, Bronx and Kings counties, areas of the state with higher than average rates of uninsured. The ad campaign will run on TV, radio, digital, print outlets and community billboards through the end of the Open Enrollment period on January 31, 2020. 

Consumers can enroll in, renew or change, a health plan by:

• Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777
• Logging onto the website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov
• Meeting with an in-person assistor. Find an assistor here

NY State of Health representatives will be available at many events across the state to educate New Yorkers about the Marketplace and to enroll consumers in health plans. A list of locations is available on the NY State of Health Events Map here. 

Consumers must enroll by December 15, 2019 for coverage beginning January 1, 2020. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.