FREELANCERS UNION BLOG

  • Health

New Yorkers, have you heard about this new, more affordable health insurance option?

Freelancers Union is proud to offer in New York a new option for freelancers who fall through the income gap between Medicaid and private insurance plans: Essential Plans from EmblemHealth.

These plans offer more affordable options in terms of monthly and out-of-pocket costs, with plans starting from $0 to $20 monthly premiums, and options to buy up for vision and dental. And they offer the same medical services that are available on EmblemHealth’s Qualified Health Plans, but on the Enhanced Care Prime network — which is more streamlined than medal-tier plans. You can browse the doctor network here.

Remember, when you buy insurance through Freelancers Union, you support our advocacy work on behalf of all freelancers at no extra cost to you.

Who is eligible?

Essential Plans are for adults between the ages of 19-64, with individual incomes between $17,000-$24,000 (there are no family plans available). If married, each person must have their own plan. EmblemHealth offers Essential Plans in the eight downstate counties: Bronx, Kings, Manhattan, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester.

Where do I sign up?

Right here! And there are no enrollment periods or lock-out dates, so if your Essential Plan terminates due to non-payment or other issues, you can join the next month or later during the year.

Also, enrollments are retroactive. If you enroll before the 15th of the month, that whole month will be covered. If you terminate at any point during the month, that month will also still be covered regardless of termination.

Got a question about Essential Plans? Call EmblemHealth at 888-477-9883. And as you shop for health insurance, please feel free to reach out to us at membership@freelancersunion.org.


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