NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that open enrollment for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended through March 31 amid the pandemic.
"Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to health insurance is essential, not only as we continue to fight the war against COVID, but to foster healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities as we rebuild post-pandemic," Cuomo said in a statement announcing the extension.
"By extending this deadline until March, New Yorkers who need health coverage will have additional time to enroll and find the plan that works best for themselves and their families," the governor said.
Extending the open enrollment period helps align the state with the federal Public Health Emergency, which was recently extended to April 20, Cuomo said.
The coverage start dates are as follows:
• Enroll by Feb. 15: Coverage starts March 1
• Enroll March 15: Coverage starts April 1
• Enroll by March 31: Coverage starts May 1
New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, the state's official health plan marketplace, or directly through insurers.
Apply for coverage online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by phone at 1-855-355-5777.
Additional information on NY State of Health insurance options during the COVID-19 emergency can be found here.
NY Department of Financial Services information and resources during the COVID-19 emergency can be found here.
