NY State of Health Provides New Yorkers with Enrollment Opportunities at Food Pantries During Holiday Season

December 15 is the Deadline to Enroll for January 1, 2019 Coverage

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 7, 2018) – NY State of Health, the state's official health plan Marketplace, is partnering with food pantries across the state this holiday season to help consumers learn about quality, affordable health insurance. Certified enrollment assistors will be on-site at more than 25 food pantries throughout December to offer information on health coverage options, answer questions, make appointments and conduct health plan enrollments.

“NY State of Health is pleased to partner with food pantries throughout the State to help New Yorkers access free or low-cost, quality health plans through the Marketplace,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Donna Frescatore. “Consumers will have the opportunity to meet with assistors and enroll into coverage while at the food pantry registering for a holiday program or collecting food packages for their families.”

To find a NY State of Health event at a food pantry in your community click here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that more than two million New Yorkers, 12 percent of the population, may experience food insecurity. Millions of New Yorkers are fed each year through over 5,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other non-profit feeding programs.

Many consumers visiting food pantries statewide may qualify for free or very low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Essential Plan. All health plans offered through NY State of Health cover preventive care, such as routine doctor visits and screenings, at no additional cost. Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year. Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan ends January 31, 2019. For January coverage, consumers must enroll by December 15. For information about Marketplace health plans and enrolling, visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.