NEW YORK, NY -UNS: NYC Health + Hospitals’ (H+H) NYC Care program, the NYC Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit’s (PEU) GetCoveredNYC program, NY State of Health, the NYC Human Resources Administration’s (HRA) Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access, and the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) concluded a virtual webinar series to inform New Yorkers of the health insurance and health care access programs available to them. The information sessions streamed on Facebook in English and Spanish on December 5th and 6th, respectively, from 2-3 PM. The recording for the session in English can be accessed here, and the recording for the session in Spanish can be accessed here. The sessions, the second iteration of a series launched last year, are geared toward all New Yorkers who are weighing the health care options available to them during the open enrollment period for health insurance from NY State of Health. They feature an overview of the range of health coverage options available, the role of the participating agencies in supporting enrollment, and conclude with a question and answer segment open to the public. The speakers encourage all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, to seek the primary, specialty, and preventive care needed to lead longer, healthier lives.
Alexa Liguori (moderator), Public Health Educator, PEU’s GetCoveredNYC program ,Stana Nakhle, NYC Director of Outreach, NY State of Health,Juan Maranon, Specialist in Communications and Community Relations, NYSOH Audrey M. Diop, Managing Executive Director, HRA/DSS Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access ,Maria Ortiz-Quezada, Director, Eligibility Information Services, HRA/DSS Office of Constituent Services,Suzanne Lewis, Director of Training and Outreach, DOHMH,Paula Barbier, Site Supervisor, DOHMH,Jonathan Jiménez, MD, MPH, Executive Director, H+H’s NYC Care program, Daisy Bugarin, North Manhattan & Bronx Team Leader, PEU’s GetCoveredNYC program were also addressed on the occasion.
“The Health Insurance Unwrapped sessions are an essential tool for ensuring we can build a healthier city for all,” said Jonathan Jiménez, MD, MPH, Executive Director of NYC Care from NYC Health + Hospitals. “I am thrilled to join the second iteration of this series, and I thank the participating agencies for joining me. All New Yorkers are entitled to health care, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, and should visit NYCCare.NYC to learn more.”
“Our mission at the Public Engagement Unit is to proactively engage New Yorkers to ensure they have the information they need to access critical benefits, including health coverage,” said Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Public Engagement Unit (PEU). “These multilingual Facebook Live events are just one example of the innovative tools we are using to reach New Yorkers and we are grateful to our partners for helping us to spread the word about the upcoming enrollment deadline on December 15.”
“The State Health Department and NY State of Health are committed to improving the health of our communities through quality and affordable health insurance coverage,” said NY State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The goal of these webinars is to make finding comprehensive health insurance a little easier.”
“With close to seven million enrollees now covered through the Marketplace, NY State of Health has made it a priority to educate New Yorkers on finding health insurance that is comprehensive and affordable, no matter their circumstances or income,” said NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan. “Access to quality and low-cost coverage is a significant driver for wellness in communities. We remain committed to reducing the state’s uninsured rate, to support the health of all New Yorkers.”
“Educating New Yorkers about the health insurance options available to them is a critical first step in connecting more people, especially our vulnerable and low-income neighbors, to the affordable coverage and quality healthcare they deserve,” said Audrey Diop, Managing Executive Director of HRA Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access. “These webinars are an excellent way to reach people where they are and demystify the health insurance enrollment process. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in these sessions and join our partners in communicating this critical information directly to New Yorkers.”
“We recently launched an initiative – titled HealthyNYC – to promote longer, healthier lives in New York City,” said Health Department Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse. “A core component of the plan is to ensure people have access to high quality primary health care. Every part of government has a stake in helping New Yorkers navigate the process of enrolling in health insurance. Cross agency events like these live webinars will allow New Yorkers to get insured and more easily connect with a provider.”
