Open enrollment for health insurance is open until May 15. The Chenango Health Network Deputy Director, Chris McAvoy Paul, encourages people call the organization if they need assistance with the application process. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)

NORWICH – New York State has opened a special enrollment period, through May 15, during which eligible individuals will be able to enroll in insurance coverage through NY State of Health, New York's official health plan marketplace, and directly through insurers.

According to the state’s website, consumers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health on-line at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777, and working with enrollment specialists.

Chenango Health Network Deputy Director Chris McAvoy Paul, encourages the community to call the Chenango Health Network if in need of assistance getting set up with insurance. Currently the office is closed to the public, but the organization has enrollment specialists who can help over the phone.

“We're able to do phone enrollments. All staff is working remotely so we are able to set up appointments over the phone so we don't have to jeopardize anyone's health,” said Paul.

Paul said that the organization has had a significant influx of calls from people needing assistance navigating the online application.

“We've had a large increase [of phone calls], part of that being health market place opened enrollment period was extended through May 15. Our influx has increased significantly,” said Paul.

When giving advice for applying online Paul said, “Be patient when applying. Sometimes it is not an easy process. Call us and we will help you.”

The Chenango Health Network has also seen an increase in the use of their Prescription Assistance Program.

According to the networks website, the Prescription Assistance Program helps Chenango County residents to get medicines they need for long term if they are uninsured and cannot afford to buy their prescription drugs. The program also helps people who have Medicare Part D coverage when they cannot afford their medicines.

Paul said the programs are made possible by working with other local organizations.

“Right now we're just trying to work collaboratively with other agencies. The main programs we are trying to support are in collaboration with the Untied Way for the Emergency Prescription Program and Financial Assistance Program. I know it's a hard time and we are able to ship things sometimes to peoples homes if they need it,” said Paul.

All the programs for the Chenango Health Network are still functioning and running. The only program to be significantly impacted is the Mental Health First Aid training. However, Paul said they are still educating the public by posting information to their social media. The group has shared information such as mental health crisis phone numbers and a positive mental health 'toolkit'.

“Mental health first aid training we are unable to do. We are trying to put things out on social media. But people should give us a call if they need more information. I don't want it to slip off and its difficult to do without training,” said Paul.

The Chenango Health Network is also available to community members who have questions or need assistance getting connected to resources during the pandemic.

“We have Community Health Advocates helping people with referrals and resources. We're working with united way and public health to provide information. If people need anything, give us a call 337-4128. If we can't help we will find you a resource that can,” said Paul.