Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few different options if you have a gap in health care coverage.

1. COBRA: Taking advantage of COBRA lets you continue on your employer’s health plan for a limited time after leaving a job. However, you’ll have to pay both your premium and your former employer’s contribution, so it can be expensive.
2. Affordable Care Act (ACA): If you’ve lost your coverage, you’re eligible for a special enrollment period. You can visit the ACA Marketplace and enroll in a plan, with cost typically dependent on your income.
3. Medicaid/CHP: You and your dependents may qualify for Medicaid and/or Child Health Plus. Medicaid and Child Health Plus (CHP) are income-based government-funded health insurance options. Medicaid is designed for low-income individuals and families, while CHP is for children in families with incomes too high for Medicaid, but too low for private coverage.

If you need a new insurance card, you should contact MetroPlusHealth directly. You can either log in to your online portal, call customer service at 866-496-6636, or ask your employer’s human resources department for guidance.

If you’re self-employed, you have a range of health insurance options. The best choice will depend on your personal circumstances. Some options include:

1. Individual Plans on the New York State of Health Exchange: This could be a good affordable option if you’re just starting out. Depending on your income, you may qualify for subsidies to substantially lower your monthly payments, while still getting most essential health benefits.
2. Spouse’s plan: If you have a married spouse with an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, ask about joining.
3. Medicaid: Eligibility for Medicaid is income-based, but if you qualify you can receive low-cost or free health coverage.
4. Medicare: If you are over 65 years old or have certain disabilities, you may qualify for Medicare.
5. Private Insurance: You can buy individual private health insurance plans directly from insurance companies.

If you’re a parent who needs medical insurance for your children, you may qualify to enroll them in Child Health Plus (CHP), which provides free or low-cost health coverage. Your children must be under 19 years old and a resident of New York.

Marriage counts as a life event, allowing you to add a spouse to your health insurance within 60 days. However, you can also add them if they lose their own coverage.
If you decide to add a spouse to health insurance, there are a few documents you’ll likely need:

1. Marriage certificate/license
2. Your spouse’s social security number
3.  Your spouse’s government-issued ID
4.  Enrollment form provided by your employer or insurance

Some companies may also request proof of common residency and proof of financial interdependency. If your spouse recently lost their employer-sponsored coverage, they may need to provide additional documentation.