Medical Care in New York-What You Need to Know

According to a study carried out in 2017, there are approximately 19.85 million people who live in New York State. Of this, more than 8.3 million live in the Big Apple. Yes, that’s a good number of people out there, and it does make us ask – how do the people in this big city have access to healthcare?

Top Ways to Get Access to Medical Care in New York

One way to get access to medical care is having access to CDPAP, but it isn’t the only way. If you are planning to settle down in NY there are a few things you should know about medical care in New York.

1. Health Insurance

If you live in NY, you are supposed to apply for health insurance, whether you are an adult or a child. New York State of Health is a marketplace that offers health insurance coverage in NY at very affordable prices. The marketplace was created under the Affordable Care Act.

The marketplace offers coverage for individuals who have not been provided any insurance by their employer. If you are under the age of 65, apply through the NY State of Health. Moreover, small businesses need to get their insurance through the NY State of Health so that they can claim the tax credit.

There are different options for you – here are a few of them.

• Medicaid

• Child Health Plan

• Essential Plan

1. Medicaid

Medicaid is an insurance plan for people who live in New York, and cannot afford to pay for their healthcare. Medicaid covers you under the following situations.

• You have high medical bills

• You meet specific financial requirements

• You are a beneficiary of Social Security Income

• Pregnant women and infants

• Parents and caregivers

• Children aged between 1-18 years

2. Child Health Plan

Children who are not eligible for Medicaid can enroll in Child Health Plan. If you are applying, you need to reach an individual gross income requirement.

3. Essential Plan

This is a new program, which covers all essential health benefits under Qualified Health Plans. Here is a look at a few of the services it offers.

• Inpatient care

• Outpatient care

• Prescription drugs

• Diagnostic services

• Annual deductibles

Can You Opt for Private Health Insurance in New York?

If you are looking for a better or more personalized health care coverage, then you can opt for private health insurance. There are a lot of private health insurance companies in NY which offer coverage for individuals or families.

Private health insurance might be good for you if:

• You are self-employed.

• Your employer does not offer Medicare Plans.

• You have Medicare Plans, but they do not cover spouses or any of your family members.

• You have a health plan, but the Medical plans are too high.

• Your current health plan does do not cater to your current needs.

Tip: If you are traveling to New York then you need to contact your health insurance provider about what type of medical coverage will cover you in the state. On most occasions, you will need coverage for medical treatment and emergencies.

If you are an overseas visitor, you should acquire all relevant travel documents in case of any health situation in the US. This applies to tourists visiting any state.

Health Insurance for Seniors

If you are over the age of 65, you are entitled for Medicare Plans in all the States. Medicare is a national health insurance program designed for US seniors entering retirement age. However, you can also carry private insurance.

The Department of Health in New York administers a program for seniors known as Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC). This plan is for people who are over the age of 65 and are looking to supplement their Medicare Plan D drug costs.

If you wish to enroll in EPIC then you need to have enrolled in a Medicare Plan D. The benefits of EPIC include :

• Acting as a secondary cover for Medicare Plan D.

• Coverage of drugs purchased.

• Covers Medicare Part D deductibles.

How does EPIC work?

EPIC is categorized into plans, which are based on the amount of income which an individual earns. There are two plans:

• Fee Plan which is for individuals with income up to $20,000 if single and $26,000 when married.

• Deductible Plan is for people who earn between $20,000-$70,000 when single and $26,001-$100,00 when married.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.