Counselors available to help select plan
Open enrollment for New York’s health-plan exchange, created in 2013 under the federal Afforadable Care Act, begins Sunday, Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 31.
The Putnam Community Action Program will offer a free information session on choosing the best plan and enrolling at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Desmond-Fish Library in Garrison.
Two Certified Application Counselors will be on hand to provide guidance in English or Spanish to Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the new Essential Plan (designed for lower-income residents who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus) and subsidized and full-premium plans. Visitors also can make appointments for private counseling sessions. Anyone who needs health insurance can apply through the exchange.
After open enrollment ends on January 31, Putnam CAP counselors can assist with circumstances that may allow for enrollment, such as job loss, change in address or immigration status or a change in marital status. Assistance for Medicaid, Child Health Plus and The Essential Plan is offered year-round. Counseling is also available to small businesses about their insurance needs.
For more information, visit putnamcap.org. The Desmond-Fish Library is located at 472 Route 403.
Free health-exchange counseling is also available through the non-profit Maternal Infant Services Network (MISN), based in Newburgh, which is contracted by the Putnam County Department of Health. Phone 800-453-4666 or email [email protected]. A representative from MISN offers counseling by appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on most Fridays at the Howland Public Library in Beacon.
For Medicare counseling, contact Lynn Hill at the Putnam County Office of Senior Resources by calling 845-808-1700, ext. 47115. For more general information, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227. Open enrollment for Medicare continues until Dec. 7, with coverage to begin in January.
