The open enrollment period for individuals to
enroll in non-employer sponsored plans through the New York State of Health, the state’s
official marketplace begins November 15, 2014. Renewal
notices were mailed in October to individuals and families who purchased
coverage through the marketplace in 2014. Individuals and families should expect a 4.5% premium increase from last year.
Enrollment in the small business marketplace or the Small Business Health Plan
Options Program (SHOP) is open all year. However, in order to be eligible
for a plan on the SHOP, at least 70% of the employer’s full time employees must
enroll in the SHOP plan. If a small business is under 70% participation, the
enrollment period begins on November 15, 2014 and closes December 15, 2014.
For coverage beginning on January 1, 2015, employers must sign up by November 30, 2014. Nine insurers in New York State offer plans for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
