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After many months of waiting, the federal government approved the expansion of eligibility for the New York State Essential Plan to individuals with household incomes below 250% of the federal poverty level. The Home Care Benefit Fund (HCBF) is now working with Healthfirst to enroll additional eligible members into the plan for health coverage. Workers enrolled in an Essential Plan will remain eligible for the additional benefits provided through the HCBF (including a $20,000 life insurance policy, the Wellness Member Assistance Program, the Citizenship Program, job training and WeightWatchers® membership) as long as they maintain an average of 100 hours worked per month. For those members enrolled in a plan with co-payments and premiums, if they maintain their premium deduction to the Fund, the HCBF will provide a Health Equity debit card to pay out-of-pocket costs they may incur.
Members receiving an enrollment letter from the Benefit Fund should schedule an appointment with an Outreach Coordinator to begin the enrollment process. The Benefit Fund’s Outreach Coordinators are available to offer assistance and answer questions. Healthfirst representatives will also be onsite at multiple Benefit Fund offices on the following dates from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm:
- Bronx—April 16, then every Wednesday from April 24 to May 29
- Hicksville—Wednesdays from April 17 to May 29
- Brooklyn and Benefit Fund headquarters at 498 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan—Thursdays from April 18 to May 30
In addition, representatives will be onsite at some agencies. For more information or to schedule a Healthfirst enrollment session at your agency, email the Outreach Department at OutreachAssistance@1199Funds.org or call the Employer Services Unit at (646) 473-6413.
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