The NY State of Health, the state’s health plan marketplace, released a new report detailing how federal and state actions have increased affordability and accessibility of coverage.
This new report, Health Insurance Coverage Update, shows that more than 6.3 million individuals—or one in three New Yorkers—are enrolled in health coverage through the marketplace. Enrollment has increased across all marketplace programs since April 2021 when the state began implementing these changes.
The American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law on March 11, increases the amount of financial help available to consumers and extends tax credits to higher income New Yorkers for the first time, significantly lowering the monthly premium cost of Qualified Health Plans available through NY State of Health. More than 40,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in health coverage with this new financial assistance since April.
The 2021 State Budget included several enhancements that make Essential Plan coverage more affordable and expand covered benefits. NY State of Health now offers all eligible New Yorkers Essential Plan coverage with no monthly premium, no annual deductible, and dental and vision coverage for all enrollees at no extra cost. Additionally, the state has adopted all available federal options to ensure that New Yorkers can easily access coverage during the ongoing public health emergency.
Enrollment for 2021 coverage through NY State of Health continues through the end of this year.