Healthy Kids
Connecting Kids to coverage

Information about Childrens health insurance program

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide no-cost or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in New York. These programs provide health coverage for children so that they can get routine check-ups, immunizations and dental care to keep them healthy. Even if your child has been turned down in the past or you don’t know if they qualify, you may be able to get health coverage now. If there are no dependent children in your household (up to age 19), and you are interested in your health insurance options, please go to our Navigator page. 

Picture of Lucy Colby
Lucy has been with the Health Initiative since 2019. She is a graduate of SUNY Canton with a Bachelors Degree in Health Services Management. Her current position is as a NYS Department of Heatlh Navigator for enrollment into health insurance for adults and children into various programs that they offer thru the state. When not working she loves spending time with her family, attending her kids and grandkids sporting events, kayaking and spending time outdoors with her basset hounds.
picture of jodi regan

Jodi has been with the Health Initiative since 2002.  She is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor Degree in Community Health and also a graduate of SUNY Canton with a Medical Laboratory Technologist degree. Her current position is a NYS Department of Health Navigator for enrollment into health insurance for adults and Child Health Plus for children.  When not working she loves traveling, spending time at the family camp, and enjoying her extended family and friends.

Learn More

You can apply for Medicaid, NYS Essential Plan Benefits and Child Health Plus at any time during the year. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a private plan if you experience a Qualifying Life Event.

A Qualifying Life Event is defined as a loss of health insurance, a change in household size, a change in residence or other life circumstance. Anyone can apply on their own online. However, the state of New York makes it easier for all New Yorkers to enroll in the Marketplace by providing in-person assistance with a state certified Navigator. 

What do I need to apply for coverage through the Marketplace? 

For everyone applying for help paying for your health insurance through the Marketplace, you should know, and be prepared to show proof of:

  Address, Date of Birth, Social Security Number 

 Information regarding your Citizenship, Immigration Status

Find Us

Anyone can apply on their own online. However, New York State makes it easier for all New Yorkers to enroll in the marketplace by providing in-person assistance with a certified Navigator. The Health Initiative has trained Navigators to help North  Country residents understand the market place and their options. We understand that it can be difficult to travel and take time off to use this assistance,. Currently we are still able to prepare applications over the phone. As our pre-pandemic locations again become available we will have in person enrollment opportunities for you. The calendar  will be updated as these sites are scheduled.

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What People Are Saying About Our Navigators

Are you a Small Business? If you are a small business that employs 100 or fewer employees and you would like to explore insurance options, we can come to your place of business to help you work through the Marketplace. Simply email Jerome with a list of your available dates/times and we will work with you to accommodate your request.

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WE ARE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

The Health Initiative encourages you to be careful with your personal information. The New York State of Health has posted this Consumer Fraud Alert , to help you better understand how you can protect yourself. You can also visit the New York State of Health Marketplace here 

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