Moving to NYC - health insurance question (New York, York: low income, income)

[askangiwa]

We are moving from Florida and I want to apply for NYC's child health plus program for my baby....

Here's the question:

We have health insurance in Florida but it won't be active in NYC -- obviously, we will drop the Florida insurance but I want to avoid a lapse in coverage --babies get sick a lot -- can I apply for Child Health Plus before we drop the Florida coverage? Or would I have to drop the Florida insurance first, go for a month or so without insurance, then apply in New York?

[NYChistorygal]

Why don't you just call them? Tell them the situation. You may be able to apply right away.

[Kefir King]

There is a stipulation that if you are convered by an EMPLOYER based plan, there may be a 6 month waiting period before CHP can be gotten.

Eligibility and Cost

[bluedog2]

I'd check out the residency requirement before anything else.I think New York State has a 90 day residency requirement for Medicaid so you might not be able to apply until you have lived here for at least 3 months.

[likeminas]

Originally Posted by askangiwa

We are moving from Florida and I want to apply for NYC's child health plus program for my baby....

Here's the question:

We have health insurance in Florida but it won't be active in NYC -- obviously, we will drop the Florida insurance but I want to avoid a lapse in coverage --babies get sick a lot -- can I apply for Child Health Plus before we drop the Florida coverage? Or would I have to drop the Florida insurance first, go for a month or so without insurance, then apply in New York?

Is the insurance that you have in Florida through your employer, or government issued?

If it is the former then, it will depend on your income level. My understanding of any government based health insurance is that you have to be low income, disabled or aged. I know there is residency requirements, so if you meet any of the elegibility criteria then you could apply once you get here.