New York State has extended the deadline for individuals to enroll for health coverage in New York State’s public exchange – New York State of Health (NYSOH)– to December 20, 2014, for coverage beginning January 1, 2015 (December 15 was the original cut-off enrollment date for January). The final date to enroll for coverage in the state exchange is February 15, 2015, for coverage effective March 1, 2015.
Individuals still looking at their options during this enrollment period will see they have a number of coverage choices. The extent of choices makes it extremely important for those shopping for health insurance to consider all their options and coverage needs.
According to Nora McGuire, chief marketing officer for Independent Health, this is an important decision a consumer makes only once a year, so evaluating coverage on overall value is essential. Value includes the plan’s premium as well as the following considerations:
• Network: Are my doctors and my preferred hospitals and facilities in the plan’s network? Will it cost me more if I want to use a certain provider?
• Quality: What is the health plan’s quality ranking by sources such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Which plan do my doctors and other providers find easier to work with?
• Customer Service: Does the health plan have a good customer service track record? What is the company’s familiarity with this region?
In keeping with its leadership efforts to provide innovative products and benefits to engage consumers in their health, Independent Health is offering new and expanded products and benefits for 2015. These expanded options include a new, innovative product for individuals and small groups, and a new telemedicine benefit.
NYSOH decided to extend the December 15 deadline after last month’s extreme winter weather covered Western New York and other parts of the state in multiple feet of snow, making it unsafe for people to attend in-person enrollment activities.
Since NYSOH’s second open enrollment period began on November 15, more than 154,562 people who were not enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace in 2014 have newly enrolled. This does not include people who were enrolled through the Marketplace in 2014 and are now in the process of renewing their coverage for next year.
Marketplace website: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/