Reminder: Open Enrollment for 2020 runs Nov. 1, 2019 to Jan. 31, 2020. For coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2020, you need to enroll by Dec. 15, 2019.
Do you need health insurance? The Health Department offers free help.
In-Person Assistors (IPAs)/Navigators provide in-person assistance to individuals, families, small businesses and their employees who would like help applying for health insurance through the New York State of Health Marketplace.
IPAs/Navigators provide culturally competent, linguistically appropriate, and disability accessible enrollment services. They are available in community-based locations at convenient times, including evenings and weekends, at no cost to enrollees.
The Westchester County Department of Health has 7 IPAs/Navigators available in 24 locations throughout Westchester County and the Bronx.
To schedule an appointment to meet with a Navigator or for more information about Program services, contact the Navigator Program at hnav@westchestergov.com or call (914) 995-6350, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What Health Insurance Plan am I eligible for?
There are several health insurance options available. An IPA/Navigator can assist you with enrolling in the plan that best meets your needs. Enrollment in Medicaid, ChildHealth Plus, the Essential Plan and the Small Business Marketplace is available all year round. Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) must occur during the Open Enrollment period, unless there is a Qualifying Life Event. Examples of Qualifying Life Events may include, but are not limited to: marriage or domestic partnership, birth, adoption, loss of essential coverage, change in income or job and more. Open Enrollment typically runs from November - January each year.
Based on age, income, and other factors you may qualify for one of the following health insurance plans:
The Essential Plan
- Find out if you qualify for this low-cost/no-cost health plan
- Choose your health plan
- Apply all year round
Medicaid and Child Health Plus (CHP)
- Choose your health plan
- Apply all year round
Qualified Health Plans (QHP)
- Compare and buy private insurance
- Choose your health plan
- Apply during Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment
If you own/operate a small business, IPAs/Navigators can help you:
- Choose low-cost, quality health plans
- Find out if you qualify for a tax credit
- Apply any time for coverage for your employees
Other Options
If you are over 65 years of age or under 65 and have a disability, you may not qualify for health coverage through the NY State of Health Marketplace and may qualify for coverage through Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability.
Medicare
Turning 65 is one way you can be eligible for Medicare. You can also be under 65 years old and still qualify for Medicare because you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. In most cases, you qualify for Medicare due to a disability if you have been receiving SSDI checks for more than 24 months.
For more information, please visit:
SSDI and SSI
If you have a disability you have a number of options for health coverage. If you currently have Medicaid or Medicare, you are considered covered under the health care law and do not need a Marketplace plan. If you do not have health coverage, you can schedule an appointment with a Navigator to help you complete a Marketplace application to find out if you qualify for savings on a private health plan or for coverage through Medicaid.
For more information, please visit:
Additional Resources
- For information on specific health plans that you may be eligible for, please visit: NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace
- You may use this tool when you are deciding which health plan to enroll in or when you are looking for a provider, for example a hospital or doctor that works with your plan.
- If you do not have prescription drug coverage or have limited coverage, this free prescription discount card can help reduce the cost of prescription medications.
- Health Insurance Coverage Report for Westchester County in 2009 - 2013
