Open enrollment periods for 2025 health insurance coverage are fast approaching
Free enrollment assistance is available for Long Islanders from the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council for those who meet certain population and eligibility criteria
Open enrollment season is fast approaching for 2025 coverage through Medicare, Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, and most private insurance coverage. If you have coverage, now is a great time to assess how well your plan is meeting your coverage needs. During open enrollment, you can adjust your coverage to ensure you’re getting the most out of your plan. If you don’t have health insurance, now is the time to consider your options.
Key Open Enrollment Dates
Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan
For folks who meet each plan’s income eligibility guidelines
If you are eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan, enrollment is open all year round. Keep reading to learn more about the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council’s free Medicaid enrollment assistance for Long Islanders who meet certain population and eligibility criteria.
NY State of Health Qualified Health Plans
Open enrollment for NY State of Health's Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) for 2025 will be from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025.
Consumers can enroll starting November 1, 2024, or renew starting November 16, 2024 in a 2025 Qualified Health Plan, and are encouraged to enroll before December 15, 2024, for coverage starting January 1, 2025.
- Enrollment: Starts November 1, 2024
- Renewals: Start November 16, 2024
- Last day to enroll: December 15, 2024 for coverage starting January 1, 2025
- Open enrollment ends: January 15, 2025 for coverage starting February 1, 2025
Medicare
For folks who are 65+ and/or disabled
The open enrollment period for 2025 Medicare coverage is October 15 to December 7, 2024. Keep reading to learn more about the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council’s free enrollment assistance for Long Islanders who meet certain population and eligibility criteria.
Private Health Insurance
For folks who have health insurance coverage through their employer or independently.
Open enrollment for 2025 private health insurance coverage generally takes place in October and November 2024, but exact dates will vary by insurance company. Be sure to check with your insurer. If your coverage is through your job, contact your employer’s Human Resources department about open enrollment dates and coverage options.
Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) provides Medicaid application assistance to eligible adults and children who are blind or disabled, anyone over the age of 65, and their families in need of the following Medicaid programs offered through New York State:
- Community Medicaid (including those with excess income and/or resources)
- Medicaid for home care services
- Medicaid for nursing home care or other services in an in-patient setting
- Medicaid for adults and children in need of waiver services (OPWDD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Bridges to Health and other HCBS programs, etc.)
- Medicaid for working people with disabilities who want to buy into the program
- Medicare Savings Program for those with Medicare that need help paying Part A, Part B, and/or prescription drugs
- Medicare enrollment assistance for those also eligible for Medicaid
The NSHC is also an agency of Community Health Advocates (CHAs) that can help Long Islanders understand, utilize, and navigate your health insurance. NSHC’s certified Advocates can help you:
- Access care
- Switch primary care providers
- Find specialists
- Understand how your insurance works – copays, deductibles, preauthorization
- Understand your explanation of benefits
- Resolve billing issues
- Understand your rights and responsibilities
- Explain how to appeal service denials
Obtaining Free Enrollment Assistance
Learn more about NSHC’s health insurance assistance programs and upcoming enrollment events across Long Island here: coverage4healthcare.org. Call 631-435-3000 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM to see if you qualify for NSHC’s free enrollment assistance services for specialized populations. After hours, please call 631-656-9783 and leave a message; someone will contact you the next business day.
More Health Insurance Enrollment Resources