New York State Outreach & Enrollment Updates Webinar June 19, 2019 11am – 12pm

Agenda Welcome and CHCANYS Introductions Immigrant-related policy updates NY DOH Announcement State Legislation of Interest Marketplace Changes Job Opportunities at CHCANYS

Proposed Changes to Public Charge What is public charge? Federal determination Individuals who are considered a public charge may be denied entry to the US or denied a green card. Currently included: SSI, TANF (“welfare”) Who does this apply to? Immigrants seeking to enter the US or applying for a green card, except: Refugees; asylees; women, men, and children applying for a green card under the Violence Against Women Act; people applying for U and T visas; children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile status Proposed Rule: Changes to public charge (not yet in effect) Expands benefits considered: Medicaid, SNAP (“food stamps”), Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy, Section 8 Housing, possibly CHIP, and more The US Department of Homeland Security assesses individuals seeking admission to the US or applying for a green card to determine if they would be a “public charge.” Public charge refers to any individual who is likely to become “primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance, or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.” 

Why is this relevant for O&E? Consumers may be confused about the proposed changes to public charge and seeking clarification about which benefits could affect their immigration status Chilling effect DOH estimate: 70,000 New Yorkers actually affected, more than 1 million potentially impacted by the chilling effect Sources say the federal government will be releasing the final rule this summer Resources: How to talk about public charge with immigrants and their families CHCANYS Public Charge Webpage National Immigration Law Center

9/19/2019

Presidential Memo President Trump recently released a Memorandum directing Federal Agencies to issue new guidance and procedures to implement requirements of sponsors of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) The guidance reinforces existing policy stating that sponsors agree to reimburse the government for the cost of public benefits received by the green card holder, including Medicaid Resource: FAQ: Understanding the President’s Memo on Enforcing the Responsibilities of Sponsors 9/19/2019

Combatting Threats to Immigrant Health Disenrollment from benefits through NYSOH DOH is strategizing ways to combat the Public Charge Chilling Effect: Public messaging to “chilled” group – those not effected by public charge (ex: Essential Plan enrollees) DOH is not aware of reporting requirements to cooperate with ICE, DOJ, DHS, OR USCIS Data agreements indicate that information obtained by DOH is to be used only for the purposes of eligibility, except in the case of a court ordered subpoena or warrant 9/19/2019

Announcement: DOH Immigration Training Over a month ago, DOH sent out a survey to Assistors: What would be good topics for additional training? Overwhelming response: Additional Immigration Trainings Last week, DOH sent a follow-up survey: What kinds of immigration training do you want to see? Of the DOH trainings on immigration that have already been implemented, what was the most helpful? What kinds of tools do you need? Seeking volunteer for a small focus group to develop additional immigration trainings Any interest? 9/19/2019

State Legislation of Interest A.6791 (Cruz)/S.4578 (Salazar) – Allows undocumented immigrants to buy unsubsidized qualified health plans through the health insurance marketplace A.5248 (Gottfried)/S.3577 (Rivera) – Enacts the New York State Health Act, a single payer health care system A.5974 (Gottfried)/ S.3900 (Rivera) – Uses New York State funds to expand New York’s Essential Plan to New Yorker’s who make up to 200% FPL and are currently excluded from health coverage because of their immigration status 9/19/2019

Marketplace Changes PARIS Match HCS ID Assignment Auto-Enrollment Recent Upcoming changes PARIS Match DOH has implemented the public assistance reporting information system into NYSOH as of February 2019 First use will be in June 2019 March 2019: New capability to electronically add Authorized Representatives HCS ID Assignment Reduce duplication in the marketplace and reduce calls to customer service Auto-Enrollment Reduce gaps in coverage Improvement to Address Page DOH training to be held for Navigators and Assistors in August You may have a trusted friend, relative, partner, or lawyer help you and act for you on matters related to your application. This person is called an authorized representative. You need to give permission to the Marketplace to speak with your authorized representative. Click here for information on how to name someone as your authorized representative. 9/19/2019

Full Position Announcement Here Full Position Announcement Here CHCANYS is hiring! NAVIGATOR PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (Albany or Upstate NY) 3 BILINGUAL NAVIGATORS (Wayne, Yates, Ontario Counties) Manage and oversee Navigators in Upstate New York offering in-person enrollment assistance for affordable health coverage through the New York State of Health. Minimum of 5 years of experience providing assistance to consumers and/or advocates on health insurance and health care access issues Full Position Announcement Here Spanish/English speaking Navigators will provide in-person enrollment assistance to consumers and small businesses in Wayne, Yates, and Ontario Counties Must have a valid NYS driver’s license & be willing to travel Weekend & evening hours Minimum 1 year related experience Full Position Announcement Here 9/19/2019

Contact us: OE Help Email: oehelp@chcanys.org O&E Webpage