Stanley’s Message for New Yorkers: ‘Get Signed Up!”

"With insurance, you have security."

Stanley G. arrived at CSS after having been without health insurance for over a year. He’d gotten routine checkups during that time through a community clinic, but wanted full coverage. “What if I was ever really hurt or needed a hospital stay? With insurance, you have security,” he said.

He went online to the NY State of Health marketplace, but had questions about the information he found there. “I was also worried I wasn’t eligible for anything because I have my own business.”   Looking for answers, he contacted the CSS Navigator Network and made an appointment to meet with Navigator Leon McIntosh.  Said Stanley, “With Leon, it was simple. I asked him questions and got answers.”

Leon walked Stanley through his options on the marketplace, and helped him find a Silver Plan that met his needs. Leon also discovered that Stanley was eligible for Advanced Premium Tax Credits and cost-sharing reductions. “I am very happy,” said Stanley. ”With the Silver Plan I chose I’ll still be able to receive services at my community health center six blocks from my house. So now I can see my doctors, but with full health care coverage. It all makes sense.”

He added:  “I now have coverage for hospital stays--very important!  Also, I wear glasses, and Leon found me a Silver Plan that includes eye care. And it’s affordable!”

He has a message for other New Yorkers who need help finding out about new health insurance options: “Call CSS. It’s quick and the CSS Navigators are very competent people. The information is here.” 

Stanley’s enrollment experience has made him eager to help spread the word: “I tell people, ‘Don’t listen to all the hype.  Get signed up!  It’s called the Affordable Care Act and that’s what it is--affordable! There’s something there for everybody, if you just have a look.’”