Health insurance through Healthy NY (extension, apply, qualify, work)

[errigal]

Anyone out there using this insurance option? Which provider did you choose and why?

My COBRA runs out next month (July) and I need to get something to replace it. I have a preexisting condition so going without insurance is not an option for me. Healthy NY seems to be the only affordable option. One of the eligibility requirements is that one needs to have worked at some time in the previous 12 months, which I haven't. Would like to know how strict they are on this requirement - - must one be on payroll, or can it be 1099 work or even work for cash?

[NYChistorygal]

I thought it was 18 months? Have you looked to medicaid? I'm losing my COBRA by August so I'm looking into all this too.

[errigal]

Yes, COBRA is 18 months ... at least initially. My 18 months is up at the end of July. However, there is an 18 month-extension of COBRA under a law passed by Gov Paterson in Nov 2009 - State Continuation Coverage Extension to 36 Months. However, this does not apply to self-funded insurance plans and unfortunately my employer is self-insured.

To qualify for Medicaid, you need to be practically destitute. Monthly income needs to be less than $707 and I think the limit for savings is about $20,000. There is also Family Health Plus, there the weekly income must be $208 or less.

If you qualify for Healthy NY, the premium will likely be a lot less than what you are now paying in COBRA. And you don't have to exhaust your COBRA to switch to Healthy NY. Of course there are a lot of limitations in coverage.

[NYChistorygal]

Originally Posted by errigal

Yes, COBRA is 18 months ... at least initially. My 18 months is up at the end of July. However, there is an 18 month-extension of COBRA under a law passed by Gov Paterson in Nov 2009 - State Continuation Coverage Extension to 36 Months. However, this does not apply to self-funded insurance plans and unfortunately my employer is self-insured.

To qualify for Medicaid, you need to be practically destitute. Monthly income needs to be less than $707 and I think the limit for savings is about $20,000. There is also Family Health Plus, there the weekly income must be $208 or less.

If you qualify for Healthy NY, the premium will likely be a lot less than what you are now paying in COBRA. And you don't have to exhaust your COBRA to switch to Healthy NY. Of course there are a lot of limitations in coverage.

With no UI in 3 weeks, my income will be $0. I believe I can get medicaid then. not much in savings and they don't count retirement funds. I'm going to print out the forms this week.