What to do if you are uninsured during the COVID-19 crisis

As we all stand together facing this life-threatening crisis, it is critical to have access to vitally needed medical services. Unfortunately, many Long Island workers have not only lost their jobs but their health insurance too. With more than 175,000 fellow Long Islanders laid off, we must address this devastating loss of health insurance immediately.

Some options, while not perfect, are available to those who need health insurance:

• New York State’s insurance exchange program is available to those who recently lost their jobs and need coverage now. Governor Cuomo extended the special enrollment period to apply for coverage through May 15. Using New York State of Health Marketplace, you can shop and compare pricing for different health insurance options for you and your family. To qualify, you must apply within 60 days of losing your employer coverage. If your household is dealing with reduced income, you may qualify for help. Visit the New York State of Health Marketplace website (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) or call 855-355-5777 to learn more or to enroll.
• Medicaid - Enrollment qualifications are based on monthly income. If you have recently been laid off and your monthly income has dropped to zero, you likely qualify. Additionally, for individuals who were already uninsured prior to this crisis, you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage, depending on your income. Use the chart below to see if you are eligible:

Chart courtesy of the NYS Department of Health

You can apply for Medicaid online, by mail, or even over the phone. Visit the New York State Department of Health’s website (health.ny.gov) to find information and to apply online. You can also call the Medicaid Helpline at 800-541-2831.

• COBRA – If you worked for an employer that had 20 or more full-time employees, you might be eligible to keep your same plan under the federal law known as COBRA (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). Those who are eligible keep their same plan, so their coverage remains identical. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website (dol.gov) or Benefits.gov to learn more about COBRA and to see if you may qualify. You can also call 866-444-3272.

Other possible options to be considered by lawmakers:

• Employers with 50 or more employees will offer three months of insurance coverage to laid-off employees. Tax incentives or grants can be provided to employers to offset the costs of the insurance.
• In terms of COBRA, enact a plan similar to the American Recovery and Relief Act (ARRA) passed under President Obama which provided relief whereby an employer was required to layout 65% of COBRA premiums and then apply for reimbursement under the Act.
• Catastrophic health insurance plans have low monthly premiums and very high deductibles. They may be an affordable way to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios, like getting seriously sick or injured. But you pay most routine medical expenses yourself. The insurance companies must lower deductibles and raise the low-risk age requirement to satisfy larger groups.

Please use this information to seek out the coverage that is best for you to ensure that you have what you need to make it through these unprecedented times.

Ann Brancato

Candidate for New York State Assembly- District 9