March 31, 2020
On March 16, 2020, NY State of Health and New York State Department of Financial Services announced a special enrollment period available to residents. During this period, eligible individuals will be able to enroll in insurance coverage through NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, and directly through insurers.
This measure was taken as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency to further protect the health of New Yorkers. The government and state health insurers were concerned that uninsured individuals might avoid seeking COVID-19 testing or medical care for fear of cost. The open enrollment period for 2020 coverage had previously ended on February 7, 2020.
The special enrollment period extends from March 16 through April 15, 2020. Individuals who enroll in Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health or directly through insurers during this period will have coverage effective starting April 1, 2020.
Employers should be aware of this special enrollment period, which may provide an option for individuals not otherwise eligible to enroll in coverage.
Press Release »Q&A on Coronavirus Special Enrollment Period (SEP) IN Qualified Health Plans (QHP) »