More Than 1 Million Uninsured New Yorkers Could Gain Health Care Coverage
September 30, 2013 (New York) – On the eve of open enrollment in the online health insurance marketplaces established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) has produced a data visualization of currently uninsured New Yorkers estimated to gain coverage as health reform is implemented. The interactive map, at www.CoverNYS.org, provides a snapshot of those who are expected to gain coverage in New York State as a result of the ACA, through either New York’s public insurance programs or private plans.
“The map can help focus energy and attention on those communities that offer the greatest opportunities for expanding health insurance coverage,” said James R. Knickman, President and CEO of NYHealth. “The data demonstrates clearly the promise of health reform for New York State.”
With the full implementation of the ACA, NYHealth estimates that more than 1 million uninsured New Yorkers could gain health care coverage. Uninsured New Yorkers live in every part of the State, but are concentrated in specific geographies. Regional and demographic data are included to identify the areas and populations with the greatest potential for gains in health insurance coverage. State and local policymakers; organizations conducting enrollment; and health care advocates can use the interactive tool to better understand the health insurance landscape and opportunities for coverage in their communities. The map uses data compiled by the Urban Institute for New York State.
“Now you can see how many people in your area—your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers—could benefit and get covered,” said David Sandman, Senior Vice President of NYHealth. “Health reform is going to happen at the local level.”
To view regional information about New Yorkers who will gain coverage through the implementation of health reform, visit www.CoverNYS.org.
In addition to the map, NYHealth is supporting a range of outreach and enrollment efforts to ensure that as many New Yorkers as possible gain health insurance coverage. This includes support for small businesses to get affordable health insurance; a statewide enrollment network of organizations to conduct outreach and enrollment; and an Ambassadors for Coverage program to help raise awareness about health insurance options.
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The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) is a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable. Today, NYHealth concentrates its work in three strategic priority areas: expanding health care coverage, improving diabetes prevention, and advancing primary care. The Foundation is committed to making grants, informing health care policy and practice, spreading effective programs to improve the health system, serving as a neutral convener of health leaders across the State, and providing technical assistance to its grantees and partners.
