New York Adds Open Insurance Enrollment Due To Coronavirus

NEW YORK, NY — As the new coronavirus spreads across New York, the state Department of Health is offering a new open enrollment period for any uninsured residents. The special enrollment period, announced on March 20, will extend until April 15.

According to the department's website:

"Eligible individuals will be able to enroll in insurance coverage through New York State of Health, New York's official health plan Marketplace, and directly through insurers. This step is being taken in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency to further protect the public health of New Yorkers. "

Gov. Andrew Cuomo previously announced insurers must suspend cost sharing for COVID-19 testing, emergency treatment and office care.

"With a pandemic spreading through the U.S., it's important to ensure that healthcare is available to everyone who needs it," Donna Frescatore, the state of health executive director, said in a statement.