MVP Health Care to expand health-plan offerings in two CNY counties, six altogether

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Health has approved MVP Health Care’s request to offer Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and its Essential plan in Oneida and Lewis counties. 

They’re among six counties in which the Schenectady–based health insurer will add the Medicaid and Child Health Plus product offerings.

The approval means MVP Health Care now offers those plans in a total of 22 New York counties, the organization said in a news release.

Besides Oneida and Lewis, the additional counties include Columbia, Greene, Putnam, and Washington. 

MVP’s Essential plan is a health plan for low-income New Yorkers who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus.

Besides Oneida and Lewis, the health insurer will now offer that plan in Columbia, Greene, and Washington counties as well.

Uninsured residents from birth to age 64 are now able to enroll in MVP’s low-cost or, “in some cases, free coverage,” depending on household income and other program-eligibility requirements.

MVP is offering the plans on the New York State of Health online marketplace.

The expansion is “in line with MVP’s commitment to offering low- or no-cost health coverage across New York State and to educating its members about available plan benefits, including regular checkups, dental and vision care, urgent care visits, emergency treatment, hospitalizations, and much more,” the health insurer said in the release.

“Many people who may be eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus coverage are unaware of their ability to access this coverage, often at minimal cost, or even no cost, depending on household income,” Denise Gonick, president and CEO of MVP Health Care, said. “Our expansion into six additional counties will allow us to educate more people so they can receive the health care they need to keep themselves and their families in good health.”

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com