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CHA Helps Working People with Disabilities Enroll in a Special Medicaid Program.

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Otis is proud that he can work despite having a disability. He is enrolled in the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities. This program allows disabled workers to enroll in Medicaid, even if their income is higher than the usual Medicaid limits. Due to an administrative error, Otis lost his Medicaid coverage. A CHA Advocate at the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley worked to resolve the issue. Now Otis is back on Medicaid.

“Whatever issues you have regarding health insurance, you will definitely receive help if you come to CHA. The service from my Advocate was excellent, and I would not have had my Medicaid issues fixed otherwise.” – Otis Williams, Rensselaer County

How do I get health insurance?

Health insurance gives you better access to medical services, can improve your health, and protects you from paying high out of pocket costs if you get sick. New York State has a health insurance marketplace where you can shop for both public and private health plans called the NY State of Health, or NYSOH. You also have the option to purchase off-marketplace plans offered by various insurance companies. These plans are all subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules of minimum essential coverage and other ACA protections. Some important things to consider when choosing a plan are your eligibility, the services and benefits offered by the plan, and the cost of the plan.

Below is a list of  health insurance programs offered in New York State. Click on the program to find out more information about your health plan options. If you need assistance choosing a health plan that works best for you, please contact CHA at 888-614-5400.

Health insurance programs in NYS:

MAGI Medicaid

and children living in New York, generally for people under the age of 65 who meet eligibility requirements. Link to the article.

Non-MAGI Medicaid

This is free or low-cost comprehensive public health insurance for those over age 65 or those with disabilities living in New York. Learn more about this program. Link to the article.

Child Health Plus

This is free or low-cost comprehensive public health insurance for children up to age 19.Learn more about this program. Link to the article.

The Essential Plan

This is comprehensive health insurance for low and moderate-income adults living in New York who are not eligible for Medicaid. You can purchase a health plan for as little as $20 per month. Learn more about this program. Link to the article.

Qualified Health Plan (QHP)

This is comprehensive health insurance you can purchase on the private market, regardless of your age or health status. All QHPs must cover essential health benefits required under the ACA. Depending on your income you may be eligible for financial assistance to reduce your monthly premium and out-of-pocket cost. Link to the article.

Medicare

Medicare provides health insurance to people over age 65 and people with disabilities without regard to income. Link to the article.

Small Business Options

SHOP is a program of the New York State of Health (NYSOH) insurance Marketplace where small businesses can search for health plan options to purchase and offer to current employees. Link to the article.

Employer-based Health Plans and COBRA

In NY, employers with 50 or more full-time employees (or the part-time equivalent) are generally required to offer health plans to their full-time employees. Link to the article.

CHA can help answer your healthcare questions.

  • Call our helpline at (888) 614-5400 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm,
  • or email cha@cssny.org.

Healthcare Q&A

Read short articles that answer frequently asked questions about healthcare and insurance. Find out how CHA has helped others, and can help you. Choose a topic: