"As our graduates embark on life after college, it is imperative that we inform them of the many programs and services that New York State has available to ensure a seamless and productive transition..."
"SUNY is proud to partner with New York State of Health on this important initiative to increase awareness among SUNY graduates regarding their options for health insurance."
"Get Covered Grad" is a new partnership between The State University of New York and NY State of Health (NYSOH), the State’s official health plan Marketplace, to help recent graduates learn about the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) they may qualify for.
Upon graduation, many graduates may find themselves without health insurance coverage or the ability to remain on their parent’s policy. SEPs allow uninsured individuals who experience certain qualifying life events to enroll for health coverage through NYSOH outside of the annual open enrollment period.
To help increase awareness of these SEPs and the availability of low cost plans through the marketplace, NYSOH has developed a resource kit for campus administrations to use in helping students plan for the future. The College Toolkit includes:
Qualifying for Special Enrollment Periods:
"It's What Adults Do":
To be eligible for an SEP, consumers must notify NYSOH within 60 days of the qualifying life event. Those without an SEP qualifying life event may enroll in a health plan through NY State of Health beginning on November 1, 2015.
All plans available through NYSOH cover health services such as yearly check-ups, flu shots, emergency services and prescription drugs. A plan preview tool available on the NYSOH website allows graduates to review and compare plan options by entering only a zip code. Graduates can also use this tool to see if they qualify for financial assistance to reduce the cost of coverage. Some plans may cost less than a monthly cell phone bill and depending on income, some coverage may be free.
To learn more about Special Enrollment Periods, visit: http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/SpecialEnrollmentPeriods and watch a video explaining qualifying life events.
To use the NY State of Health Plan View Tool visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/individual.
For more information on how to enroll, call 1-855-355-5777, visit the NY State of Health website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or find an enrollment assistor.