NYS, other states reopen Obamacare enrollment
By Matt Tracy
In an effort to beef up healthcare
coverage in response to
COVD-19, some northeastern
states — including New
York and Connecticut — have
launched special Obamacare
enrollment periods.
New York State officials said
they moved ahead with the
plans in order to ensure that
folks in the state would not
avoid seeking healthcare due to
costs. Governor Andrew Cuomo
has waived cost-sharing for
COVID-19 testing and the US
Senate approved a measure to
make testing free nationwide,
though such tests remain frustratingly
scarce despite reassurances
that larger waves of
tests are forthcoming.
“With a pandemic spreading
through the US, it’s important
to ensure that healthcare
is available to everyone who
needs it,” said Donna Frescatore,
the executive director
of New York State of Health,
which is the state’s healthcare
exchange. “This special enrollment
period will provide New
Yorkers with another opportunity
to sign up for high-quality,
affordable health insurance.”
The original enrollment
period in New York concluded
on February 7. The special
enrollment period in New York
is already in effect and will
last until April 15, and coverage
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for new enrollees goes into
effect on April 1. The state also
reminded residents that those
who are eligible for Medicaid,
the Essential Plan, and Child
Health Plus are able to enroll
any time of the year.
Meanwhile, Connecticut’s
special enrollment period will
take place from March 19 to
April 2 for coverage that begins
on April 1.
In New Jersey, where the
state exchange is tied to the
federal government, Governor
Phil Murphy has asked the
administrator of the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services
to approve a special enrollment
period in that state.
And while Pennsylvania
has not opened up a special
enrollment period, northeast
Philadelphia Congressmember
Brendan Boyle, a Democrat,
has called on Health and
Human Services Secretary
Alex Azar to create one.
Maryland, Massachusetts,
Nevada, and Washington are
also among states that have
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Michael Kopy, the New York State director of emergency
management, in suburban New Rochelle on March 13 as the state opened its fi rst coronavirus
mobile testing center. Reuters/ Mark Vergari/ The Journal News/ USA Today
launched special enrollment
periods.
For each of the states, the
enrollment period is eyed with
a focus on assisting those who
are uninsured. The move comes
following significant economic
turbulence sparked by the
coronavirus. The outbreak has
prompted orders forcing restaurants,
bars, and many other
entertainment establishments
to temporarily shut down,
leading to mass layoffs and a
spike in unemployment claims.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has even
raised the specter of shelterin
place order for the five boroughs.
“Ensuring access to affordable
and quality medical care
for all New Yorkers is a top
priority during this state of
emergency,” the superintendent
of New York’s Department
of Financial Services, Linda
A. Lacewell, said in a written
statement. “Under Governor
Cuomo’s leadership, we have
established a special enrollment
period, providing uninsured
New Yorkers an opportunity
to select a New York State
health insurance provider to
access diagnostic testing and
care they may need.”
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