Elise Perram of Student Affairs has informed me about a new plan on the NYS marketplace called “The Essential Plan” which may be a very good option for people not on NYSHIP who also don’t qualify for Medicaid. Here are the “essentials” to know about:

Who can buy it?

Anyone who doesn’t qualify for Medicaid/Child Health Plus and makes under or up to the amounts listed in the table below (based on household size)

Household size Most you can make
1 $23,540
2 $31,860
3 $40,180
4 $48,500

How much does it cost?

Either $20 a month per person — less than a dollar a day or NOTHING.

How else does it save me money?

It has NO DEDUCTIBLE, so the plan starts paying for your health care right away.You get FREE PREVENTIVE CARE like routine doctor exams and screenings to keep you healthy.

What does the Essential Plan cover? The same services covered by other plans:

  • doctor visits, including specialists
  • tests ordered by your doctor
  • prescription drugs
  • inpatient and outpatient care at a hospital

When can I enroll? NOVEMBER 2015, for coverage beginning in January 2016, or anytime(!) after because enrollment for this plan is open ALL YEAR LONG.

Elise will be going over this plan at the Navigating NYSHIP Workshop on October 22nd, 2-3:30pm, in Room 5409 of the Graduate Center. Fact sheet found here:http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Essential%20Plan%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf