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Health Insurance

You and your family can find many new low-cost, quality health insurance options available through the Individual Marketplace.
 

 

Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace

 

Health Insurance Options for the Uninsured

Visit NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace to compare options and apply for assistance that could lower the cost of your health coverage. There are many low-cost, quality health insurance options from which to choose. You may also qualify for health care coverage from Medicaid or Child Health Plus through the Marketplace. Anyone can apply.

Find more information specific to the Mid-Hudson region as well.

Child Health Plus offers free or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. Visit Child Health Plus for a complete description of program, benefits and eligibility requirements. 


Family Health Plus offers free or low-cost health insurance for adults between the ages of 19 - 64. Visit Family Health Plus for a complete description of program, benefits and eligibility requirements.


The Medicaid Prenatal Care Program offers health insurance for pregnant women, regardless of citizenship. Pregnant women are enrolled into care for the length of their pregnancy and for 8 weeks after the birth of their child. The baby will receive children's Medicaid for one year. Contact Maternal-Infant Services Network at 1-800-453-4666 to enroll. Bilingual enrollers are available to assist in the application process, answer any questions, and let you know which documents you will need to apply.

Dutchess County's free Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program is staffed by Office For the Aging personnel and trained volunteer insurance counselors. Medicare beneficiaries can receive benefit information and explanations on a variety of topics, including:

  • Medicare drug plans
  • supplemental insurance options
  • Medicare Advantage choices
  • claims
  • appeal rights

 

Healthy NY provides coverage for small businesses, sole proprietors and individuals. It offers various streamlined benefit packages to choose from. To learn more, visit Healthy NY online, or call1-866-432-5849.

Coverage under the Healthy NY program is subject to a pre-existing condition waiting period. If you have a medical condition that has been diagnosed or treated in the last six months, services for the treatment of that condition may be excluded from coverage for up to one year.

Health Services Available for the Uninsured or Underinsured

The National Association of Counties offers a FREE Prescription Discount Program with no membership fee. 

  • Free enrollment.
  • No age or income requirements.
  • One card for whole family.
  • Discounts for pet meds.
  • Save an average of 24% off the pharmacy’s regular price.

Enroll here. Or call toll-free at 1-877-321-2651

The National Association of Counties offers a Health Discount Program for $6.95/month Individual or $8.95/month Family Plan and offers:

  • Vision Savings including LASIK and PRK
  • Diabetic Supply Savings
  • Lab Services
  • Prepaid Diagnostic Imaging
  • Hearing Savings

Enroll here. Or call toll-free at 1-877-573-2395

Dutchess Outreach: One time only prescription assistance offered by Dutchess Outreach if the prescription is not covered by insurance. You must bring the prescription to their office on the 2nd floor of the Family Partnership Center, 29 North Hamilton St. in Poughkeepsie from 1-4 pm Monday through Friday. They will do an intake process and you must present your social security card. For additional information call 845-454-3792.
 

Consumer Reports: Safe and effective drug recommendations from Best Buy Drugs and Best Pharmacy Buying Guide.

The National Association of Counties offers a Dental Discount plan for $6.95/month.  The plan provides discounts on check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, x-rays, root canals and more.  

Medicaid participants can find quality dental care with the following providers.

  • Hudson River Healthcare offers a sliding fee scale for medical services for those who are uninsured or under insured based on family size and income, including mental health, dental services, and obstetric care are also offered at some of their locations.
  • Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital offers specialty clinics in Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, and Urology. These clinics are offered to anyone including those with insurance, Medicaid and uninsured. The hospital has a financial assistance program for those who cannot afford the service, or cannot afford the co-payment. To find out about financial assistance, call Patient Accounting at 845-483-5217. To schedule an appointment for these specialty services call the clinic office at 845-431-8205.
  • Optometrists in Dutchess County who accept Medicaid: Optometrists (.pdf)
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otolaryngologists) Doctors in Dutchess County who accept Medicaid: ENTs (.pdf)