Assemblymember Matthew J. Titone (D. Staten Island), Chair of the Assembly Office of State and Federal Relations, wants to remind New Yorkers that November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016 is the open enrollment period for new applicants qualified for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition, the enrollment date for those with coverage but wishing to change their health care plan begins on November 15, 2015.

Chairman Titone stated “It is important that New Yorkers know that now is the time to either purchase health care coverage or change their plans under the Affordable Care Act. The New York State Health Insurance Marketplace will be open for new enrollments for only a short period of time, 12 weeks, November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016.”

President Obama signed The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law in 2010. After numerous court challenges, the validity of the law was upheld in June 2015 by the United States Supreme Court in the King v. Burwell decision.

The ACA provides health insurance coverage for qualified applicants through health insurance marketplaces established either by the federal government or states. In 2012, New York established its health marketplace exchange – the New York Health Benefit Exchange, now known as the New York State of Health – which offers numerous options for health insurance coverage.

Currently, New York’s marketplace (https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/) has 16 health insurance companies offering a variety of health care plans for individuals, families, employees and small businesses. There are four basic levels of plans offered, including the standard bronze, silver, gold and platinum plans, all of which are designed to optimize enrollment for all who qualify. All plans on the marketplace cover: doctor’s visits; hospital stays; emergency care; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance abuse disorder services; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventative and wellness services; chronic disease management; and pediatric dental and vision Preventive care such as routine office visits and recommended screenings are free. Some plans include additional benefits such as adult dental and vision coverage.” (nystateofhealth, 10/16/2015, resources)

The ACA requires all New Yorkers to have health insurance. In 2016, the penalty for lack of health insurance coverage will increase significantly to $695, or 2.5% of household income, up from $325 and 2% of household income this year. It should also be noted that once this enrollment period is over, few exemptions are available for those who qualify and do not apply for coverage.

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates that over 16 million Americans have enrolled for health insurance under the ACA. “The ACA by all data and numbers has been a landmark and successful program, and has provided over 2.5 million New Yorkers with affordable health insurance,” noted Chairman Titone.

“Given the enrollment period of the next few months, I encourage all New Yorkers who are in need of health insurance to contact the New York State of Health marketplace. Healthcare ‘navigators’ are available to assist with the enrollment process and to answer any questions you may have. The enrollment dates are November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016 for health insurance coverage in 2016.”

For more information please visit the New York State of Health website (https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/) or call 1-855-355-5777, or visit the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website (www.hhs.gov).