The American healthcare system can be challenging to understand if you do not require medical services frequently. As we age, however, our bodies become more fragile – we experience aches and pains, and at some point, we may require healthcare services for more substantive conditions.
Being prepared for your next medical trip is essential – with unforeseen bills and mistakes in care coverage costing time, money, and valuable resources. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a student of an online ABSN program, or in an unrelated field looking for care, you likely understand the importance of knowing your options when it comes to accessing healthcare.
Fortunately, if you live in The Big Apple, it is easy to learn about healthcare options, with services available to help navigate care choices. Let us discover the world of healthcare products – and find out just how easy it is to get coverage, no matter your individual circumstances.
The Importance of Being Aware
In some states, residents have a range of options and support services created to help them connect with the right healthcare product for their needs. One such example is New York City’s Public Engagement Unit, which works with New Yorkers to find healthcare products that meet their needs, even if they have immigration or income issues. Since the initiative’s commencement in 2016, it has been incredibly effective in reaching out to people from diverse backgrounds and breaking down barriers to accessing healthcare.
The program, known as GetCoveredNYC, is an outreach program that specializes in helping people navigate health insurance in a way that is culturally sensitive and simple to navigate. Rather than forcing patients to undergo extensive and painful signup processes, the GetCoveredNYC program works with hospitals and the Department of Health to increase access to healthcare and other health services.
Health insurance plans are beneficial. Knowing they can pay for medical care such as doctor visits and prescription drugs is essential for avoiding a costly medical bill the next time you need care.
Employer or School-Sponsored Plans
Did you know that employee-sponsored health insurance is one of the most common types of health insurance coverage that Americans can access? In 2022, nearly 180 million Americans were enrolled in some sort of employer-sponsored program – covering more than half of the adult population.
However, did you know that some schools also offer school-sponsored insurance coverage? This can be pretty useful if you’re a student with limited money to spend on insurance – typically, they’re low-cost and easy to qualify for. Just remember, sponsored plans often come with limits, so make sure you read the terms and descriptions and be aware of what you’re covered for.
Medicaid
If you have a limited income, it can be difficult to raise the resources to pay for healthcare. Medicaid is a public health insurance program supported by the state and federal governments, designed to provide health insurance for those on low incomes.
With nearly two million New Yorkers living in poverty, programs like Medicaid allow those who usually would not have access to healthcare the ability to receive care if needed. As a safety net that has existed since the 1960s, Medicaid is a critical component of healthcare in America.
Medicare
If you’re a New Yorker over 65, you may need additional, specialized assistance – for example, if you require personal care services or nursing home care. Getting older is more common than you think, with a recent American Association of Retired Persons study finding that nearly one-sixth of all New Yorkers are over 65.
Introduced in 1965 alongside the Medicaid program, Medicare provides vital services for aging Americans. This allows them to age gracefully with the support and services necessary to live long and fulfilling lives.
Child Health Plus
One of the challenges with Medicaid and Medicare is that they offer services to families and aging Americans. What services are available to provide coverage for children?
While programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program are offered at a federal level, some states offer programs that provide health insurance for children that goes above and beyond CHIP.
In New York State, a program called Child Health Plus offers affordable insurance for children under the age of 19. This service covers an area often underserved by public health insurance, reassuring parents that when their child falls ill, they’re covered by the program.
NY State of Health – Essential Plan
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, a state-funded health insurance program known as the Essential Plan is available. This program can be helpful if you need healthcare coverage but cannot get support from federal-funded plans.
The Essential Plan offers benefits, including dental and optical, helping to provide New Yorkers with quality healthcare and covering gaps in coverage.
Qualified Health Plans
What if you are a New Yorker with the money for private health insurance but do not know where to find plans? Fortunately, the New York State of Health Marketplace offers a central location for New Yorkers to find affordable insurance to meet their needs.
The program aims to connect New Yorkers with affordable insurance options that provide quality care.
NYC Care
Finally, if you do nott qualify or cannot afford health insurance but live within the five boroughs of New York City, healthcare coverage plans are available through NYC Care. While not strictly health insurance, these programs ensure that even those who don’t have access to a health insurance plan can still access affordable medical treatment within New York’s hospital system.
The healthcare industry can sometimes seem complex – but fortunately, programs such as GetCoveredNYC exist to help New Yorkers choose the healthcare product that best suits their needs.
With more than one million New Yorkers requiring medical care each year, healthcare insurance awareness helps to keep people connected to the options around them. It represents a valuable component of the healthcare sector and something that should be considered.
So, no matter whether you are a young uni student from the Bronx or a Wall Street Wizard, perhaps it’s time to ask – have you checked your health insurance lately?
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
