Features, Lead Stories

Westchester offers help with health insurance

Free enrollment assistance is available to help individuals and small businesses enroll or renew their health coverage with NY State of Health, the state’s official
health plan Marketplace. The Westchester County Department of Health Navigator Program offers telephone assistance in multiple languages at no charge.

The 2021 Open Enrollment period in a Qualified Health Plan, QHP, will begin Sunday, Nov. 1 for all new applicants, and Nov. 16 for all returning consumers.
The deadline to enroll in QHP coverage with a Jan. 1, 2021 start date is Dec. 15.  The Open Enrollment Period will end on Jan. 31, 2021.

During these challenging times, NY State of Health remains committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers,
so they can get the care they need.  New York has extended the COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period, SEP, so consumers can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan
now through the end of 2020.  Consumers who enroll through this SEP will have the option to continue their enrollment in the same plan in 2021 without a
break in coverage.  In addition, many New Yorkers will qualify for Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the Essential Plan, and can enroll in these programs year-round.  Weekday, evening and weekend hours are available.  For more information on navigator services, locations or to schedule a telephone appointment, call 995-6350 or email hnav@westchestergov.com.

To learn more about health coverage, go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.  The NY State of Health customer service hours are Monday to
Friday, 8 a.m. through 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. For more health information, go to westchestergov.com/health.
(Submitted)