Get 2015 Health Coverage Now: Rockland Health Commissioner

From the Rockland County Health Department

The Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents that February 15 is the last day to enroll in health insurance for 2015 through the NY State of Health Marketplace.

“We encourage residents to compare health plans, get help signing up for a low-cost quality plan that’s right for you and your family, and see if you are eligible to receive financial help to reduce the cost of coverage,” said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

The only exception is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying life event. Examples of qualifying life events include moving to a new state, certain changes in your income, loss of a job, and changes in your family size (for example, if you marry, divorce, or have a baby).

In addition to eating healthy and staying active, being covered with quality health insurance is one of the best things you can do for your health this year. Need more good reasons to get covered for 2015?

• The application process is now quicker and easier and there are more plans to choose from.

• You will have peace of mind knowing that you have quality, affordable health coverage if and when you need it.

• You can afford it: premium rates for 2015 plans will continue to be more than 50 percent lower than they were prior to the establishment of the Marketplace, with nearly 75% of the people enrolled getting financial assistance to help further lower their monthly costs.

• Penalty fees may apply if you don’t have coverage in 2015; a penalty fee of either 2% of your income, or $325 per adult ($162.50 per child), whichever is higher.

Sign up either online at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov; by phone (toll-free) at 1-855-355-5777; or in-
person: (call 845-364-3394 to schedule an appointment with a Health Department Health Insurance Navigator, who speak English, Spanish or Creole, or call 845-356-9600 for an appointment with a Monsey Community Outreach Center Health Navigator, who speak English and Yiddish).

For more information email healthinsurance@co.rockland.ny.us or call 845-364-3394.