Best Health Insurance Plans For Individuals in New York 2024

I. 4 Types of Plans Available On The NY State of Health Marketplace

The NY State of Health is an organized marketplace designed to help people shop for and enroll in health insurance coverage. It provides a variety of health plan options that cater to different needs and budgets. For those seeking coverage in 2024, it is crucial to understand the differentiated plan types available on the marketplace to make an informed choice.

Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) are comprehensive health insurance policies that cover a set of Essential Health Benefits. In 2024, there will be twelve health insurers offering QHPs in the individual market. These plans are categorized into metal tiers—Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Catastrophic—each representing a level of coverage and associated costs.

The Essential Plan (EP) is designed for lower-income individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid and need affordable coverage. As of 2024, twelve insurers are providing Essential Plans with coverage variation available in different counties.

Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) is tailored for small businesses seeking to provide health insurance to their employees. There are seven insurers offering options in the SBM, with over 1,700 policies to choose from.

Lastly, Stand Alone Dental Plans (SADPs) offer dental-only coverage, separate from health insurance, with options both for individuals and families. Dental plans comply with pediatric dental coverage essential health benefits and may also offer adult dental coverage.

II. When Can I Enroll Into An ACA Health Plan in NY?

Navigating the open enrollment window is critical to securing health insurance coverage for the 2024 plan year. Here are the dates New Yorkers need to mark on their calendars:

Open Enrollment Period

The window to enroll in a plan runs from November 16, 2023, through to May 31, 2024. During this time, individuals can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) or change their QHP selection.

Coverage Start Dates by Enrollment Periods

Depending on when you complete your enrollment, coverage start dates are as follows:

 Additional Enrollment Details

For residents needing immediate coverage due to special circumstances or life events, specific Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also be available outside of the stated Open Enrollment dates. New Yorkers are encouraged to apply as early as possible within the Open Enrollment period -- this not only ensures coverage starts earlier but also provides adequate time for any potential application processing. This extended Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is under the marketplace's exceptional circumstance SEP authority due to the Public Health Emergency unwind.