Orlando Harmon
If you're between jobs, you can apply for health insurance in New York State through the Marketplace. You can also apply if you're moving to New York State for a job or to find a job within the next 90 days, but you cannot enroll in a health plan until you have moved to New York and provided a New York address. There are several options for health insurance in New York State if you're between jobs, including COBRA, which allows you to continue with the same health insurance plan you had at your job for up to 18 months after you leave, and Medicaid, a program for New Yorkers who can't afford to pay for their healthcare. You can also apply for an Affordable Care Act plan through the New York State of Health website, which lets you shop for, compare, and buy a health plan online, in person, or over the phone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to apply | Within 60 days of losing job-based coverage |
| Eligibility criteria | Income, household information, and other insurance coverage |
| Documents required | Proof of loss of health insurance through the previous job |
| Options available | COBRA continuation coverage, Marketplace plan, Medicaid, Essential Plan, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) |
| Cost considerations | No longer a tax penalty for not having health coverage, tax credits available for Marketplace plans, and no additional cost for applying through the Marketplace |
| Additional notes | New York State of Health allows shopping, comparing, and buying health plans online, in person, or over the phone |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility for help with insurance costs
If you lose your job-based health insurance in New York, you can enrol in a Marketplace plan. You will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get coverage for the rest of the year. To qualify for this Special Enrollment Period, you need to apply for Marketplace coverage within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage. Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your job-based coverage.
You may need to provide proof that you lost your health insurance through your job. When you apply for Marketplace coverage, you’ll receive an eligibility notice. This will tell you if you need to submit any documents to confirm your loss of coverage.
If your annual income is under $37,650, the Essential Plan is always open. The Essential Plan is a state-sponsored health insurance program offering free or low-cost coverage for eligible New Yorkers. It is ideal for low-income adults aged 19-64, including eligible immigrants like DACA recipients, who seek comprehensive coverage without high costs. The Essential Plan includes dental and vision coverage, with $0/month premiums, while Medicaid is for lower incomes with limited dental/vision coverage.
If your monthly income is under $1,732, Medicaid is always open. Medicaid offers free or low-cost coverage. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid can enrol in Child Health Plus if they don't already have health insurance and are not eligible for coverage under the public employees' state health benefits plan.
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Applying for insurance through the Marketplace
If you lose your job-based health insurance in New York, you can apply for a Marketplace plan. The Marketplace is a one-stop-shop to compare and shop for health insurance. You can apply for health insurance through the Marketplace if you are moving to New York State for a job or to find a job within the next 90 days. However, you cannot enroll in a health plan until you have moved to New York State and have provided your New York address.
You can apply for coverage in the Marketplace within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage. Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your job-based coverage. For example, if you lose your insurance plan on March 7 and select a Marketplace plan by March 31, your new coverage can start on April 1.
When you apply for coverage in the Marketplace, you will receive an eligibility notice. This will tell you if you need to submit documents to confirm your loss of coverage. You may need proof that you lost health insurance through your job. You will also find out if you qualify for a tax credit to lower your monthly insurance payment. This is based on the income estimate and household information you put on your Marketplace application.
You can also keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage. This lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.
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COBRA continuation coverage
If you are referring to health insurance, there are a few options available to you in New York State.
The Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) provides certain employees of certain employers, as well as their spouses and dependent children, the right to temporarily continue their former employer’s health coverage when that coverage would otherwise be lost due to certain specific events called qualifying events. Qualifying events include leaving your job for any reason, including quitting or being fired, and losing your job-based health insurance. Under federal COBRA law, eligible individuals who voluntarily resign from a job, have their work hours reduced, or are terminated for any reason other than "gross misconduct" are guaranteed the right to continue their employer’s group health coverage for up to 18 months, and, if disabled, for up to 29 months. In some situations, the spouse and dependent children of the eligible employee are entitled to up to 36 months of COBRA coverage.
New York State's Mini-COBRA Law
New York’s mini-COBRA law includes all insured groups in the state, including those not covered under federal law: employers with 2 to 19 employees, certain government plans, and church plans. It also includes some individuals not covered by federal COBRA law, such as individuals fired for gross misconduct and domestic partners and same-sex spouses of employees. NYS mini-COBRA extends continuation benefits for up to 36 months for all qualified beneficiaries.
Applying for COBRA
To apply for COBRA continuation coverage, you should contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options. You can also obtain the COBRA application form from the Forms and Downloads section of the NYC government website. Applications should be mailed to the COBRA enrollee’s current health plan, which will forward enrollment information to the new health plan.
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Special Enrollment Period
If you lose your job-based health insurance in New York, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan. You will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get coverage for the rest of the year. To qualify for this Special Enrollment Period, you need to apply for Marketplace coverage within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage. Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your job-based coverage.
You may need to provide proof that you lost your health insurance through your job. When you apply for Marketplace coverage, you’ll get an eligibility notice. It will tell you if you need to submit documents to confirm your loss of coverage.
There are other life events that qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, including marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or loss of a dependent. You must apply within 60 days of the Qualifying Life Event.
If you have a low income, you may be able to get free or low-cost coverage from Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can apply for these at any time.
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Essential Plan and Medicaid
If you are between jobs in New York and are looking for health insurance, you may be eligible for the Essential Plan or Medicaid.
Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is a health insurance option for New Yorkers who meet certain income requirements. As of April 2024, eligibility rules have changed, expanding the number of people who can enroll.
To enroll in the Essential Plan, you can apply through the NY State of Health website, by phone, or with the help of a trained and certified Enrollment Assistor or Broker. You will need to provide the following information for each member of your family:
- Birth dates
- Social security numbers or, for legal immigrants, document numbers
- Employment, income, and health insurance information
Most healthcare providers who accept your Qualified Health Plan will likely also accept the same insurer's Essential Plan. However, it is recommended that you call your healthcare provider to confirm. You can also use the NYS Provider & Health Plan Look-Up tool to find Essential Plan options that work with your current healthcare providers.
Medicaid
Medicaid is another option for free or low-cost health coverage in New York. To be eligible, your monthly income must be under a certain threshold, which is currently $1,732. You can create an account and apply for Medicaid at any time.
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Frequently asked questions
If you've lost your job or quit, you can apply for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You qualify for the Special Enrollment Period and have 60 days to apply for a new plan. You can also keep your job-based coverage for up to 18 months with a COBRA plan.
You can apply online, over the phone, or in person. You will need to provide your Social Security number and information about your income and household.
A COBRA plan allows you to extend your previous employer's health care plan for up to 18 months after leaving your job. This ensures that you have continuous coverage during the transition between jobs.
Eligibility for insurance coverage and financial assistance is based on various factors, including your income, household size, and medical history. Your income includes earnings from employment, unemployment benefits, and Social Security.
