More New Yorkers Have Coverage But Uninsured Still Nears Million — Scott Stringer

Health

Nearly a quarter of Sunnyside, Jackson Heights, Corona and Bushwick residents are uninsured

More than one in ten New York City residents lack health insurance, and in pockets of Queens and Brooklyn the rate of uninsured New Yorkers can soar to as high as 22 percent, according to an analysis released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.

The publication of this new data coincides with the beginning of the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which runs from November 1, through December 15 for coverage to begin on January 1, 2016. Enrollment will remain open through January 31, 2015 for coverage to begin March 1, 2016.

“Close to one million New York City residents lack even the most basic health coverage,” Stringer said.  “The situation is particularly dire in neighborhoods with large immigrant and younger populations like Jackson Heights, Corona, and Bushwick where close to one in four New Yorkers don’t have health insurance. To ensure the long-term economic future of our City we need to make sure our residents are healthy and well. We want to get the word out: with the Affordable Care Act in place, getting health insurance is easier and more affordable than ever.”

According to the 2014 American Community Survey data published this September, 962,805 New York City residents (11.4 percent of the total population) lack healthcare, a decline of 2 percentage points from 2013 and the first time the overall figure has been measured below 1 million over the past five years.

“We’ve seen real progress in reducing the number of City residents who are covered, but we must continue to reinforce that being uninsured can have real economic and health consequences for you and your family. Everyone deserves health insurance, and as this year’s enrollment period begins, I want to encourage all New Yorkers to visit the New York State of Health Marketplace to find a plan and access critical information about the financial assistance that can make health care more affordable,” Stringer said.

 

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