NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced its continued partnership with Kinney Drugs, ShopRite and Rite Aid, to educate New Yorkers on affordable health insurance and help them find a plan that fits their needs and budget. Certified enrollment assistors will be available at pharmacy locations across the state to provide information, answer questions, and make appointments for consumers who want to renew or enroll.

“Enrolling in the right health plan will bring peace of mind to New Yorkers that they and their family’s health needs are covered,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “When picking a plan, a personalized experience can make all the difference. I thank our NY State of Health Team for building these partnerships that bring enrollment assistors directly to communities across the state to help New Yorkers explore the options the Marketplace has to offer.”

“This Open Enrollment Period, some New Yorkers are shopping health plans through the Marketplace for the first time, while others are navigating renewing their health insurance through public programs. It’s important that we are accessible to all consumers, whether they need to enroll for the first time or renew their coverage,” NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said. “Our pharmacy partners recognize the value of affordable health insurance, and we thank them for once again partnering with us to educate consumers from the convenient locations of their stores.”

Enrollment for 2024 coverage remains open for Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans (QHP). Open Enrollment began November 16, 2023.

Annual renewals for individuals enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan resumed in 2023 after being suspended during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). New York State is providing outreach and assistance to over 9 million public health insurance enrollees to ensure they maintain their coverage. 

NY State of Health is sending renewal notices on a rolling basis to enrollees in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. The New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), and local Departments of Social Services are also sending notices to Medicaid enrollees. Notices are distributed based on enrollees’ enrollment end dates and include a renewal deadline to take action before risking a gap in coverage.

Consumers who become ineligible for Medicaid or the Essential Plan will be able to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan during the PHE Unwind renewal process which continues through May 2024.  NY State of Health opened a Special Enrollment Period to extend QHP enrollment opportunities beyond January due to the PHE unwind, as one more way the Marketplace is helping New Yorkers maintain their coverage. Enrollment is open all year for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan.

All plans through the Marketplace provide a comprehensive benefit package, including free preventive care, such as routine office visits and recommended screenings, as well as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and other key health services. Significantly increased federal tax credits, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act and sustained through the Inflation Reduction Act, will continue through 2025, making monthly Qualified Health Plan premiums more affordable. 

Informational sessions will be held at Kinney Drugs, ShopRite, and Rite Aid locations across the state during the month of January.

To find a NY State of Health event at a Kinney Drugs location, click here.

To find a NY State of Health event at a ShopRite location, click here.

To find a NY State of Health event at a Rite Aid location, click here. 

How to Enroll

There are three ways to enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace:

• Receive free personalized help from a Certified Enrollment Assistor.  Consumers can find one at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/findassistor.
• Call the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777.
• Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov. A web chat feature is available to consumers during Customer Service Center hours to help them complete their applications.

About NY State of Health

New York opened its health plan Marketplace, NY State of Health, in October 2013.  The Marketplace’s one stop health insurance shopping experience offers high quality comprehensive health plans.  NY State of Health is the only place where consumers can qualify to get help paying for coverage through premium discounts or tax credits.  Eligible New Yorkers can also enroll in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan through the Marketplace all year.  For more information about the NY State of Health Marketplace, please visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777, (TTY: 1-800-662-1220), or find an enrollment assistor.