Best Health Insurance Plans For Individuals in New York 2024
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:
| Enrollment Period | Coverage Start Date |
|---|---|
| Oct 16 - Nov 15, 2023 | December 1, 2023 |
| Nov 16 - Dec 15, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
| Dec 16, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024 | February 1, 2024 |
| Jan 16 - Feb 15, 2024 | March 1, 2024 |
| Feb 16 - March 15, 2024 | April 1, 2024 |
| March 16 - April 15, 2024 | May 1, 2024 |
| April 16 - May 15, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| May 16 - May 31, 2024 | July 1, 2024 |
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.
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The Mira Research team conducts original data and medical research on the most applicable topics of today and translates them into easy-to-understand articles to educate the public. Each of our articles is carefully reviewed and curated with interviews and opinions from medical experts, public health officials, and experienced administrators. The team has educational backgrounds from New York University, the University of Virginia, more.