A few weeks ago I met with Luna Liu, Associate Director for AAPI Marketing and Community Relations Manager at MetroPlusHealth, to discuss a healthcare plan that is available to both Macaulay Honors College students and CUNY students at large.
Liu excitedly described Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign to re-enroll 10,000 students who dropped out of college, called CUNY Reconnect. She detailed that as part of this plan to get CUNY students back, CUNY Reconnect will be offering an affordable healthcare plan.
The MetroPlusHealth Essential Plan is, as Luna describes it, a plan “for individuals whose income is not low enough for Medicare” and not high enough that “they can purchase through the Affordable Care Act.” The Essential Plan serves the community of students and families in between these two income brackets, targeting those who have long been left out by healthcare policy. As she puts it, “you can have high quality healthcare without it costing too much.” She notes that in the U.S., only two states have an essential plan: New York and Minnesota.
To get coverage through the Essential Plan, you must first qualify based on income. The plan then has four different categories, and Luna notes that most international students qualify for Essential Plan 4, while domestic students mostly qualify for Essential Plans 1 or 2. International students do not need to worry about the Essential Plan impacting their green card application, as it is not a public charge.
A unique aspect of MetroPlusHealth is that it solely serves New York City residents in the five boroughs, noted Luna. “Our plans have access to over 110 urgent care centers and over 40 hospitals, and our staff speaks more than 40 languages. There are no language barriers; we have representatives as diverse as the city we serve.” She adds that, “What differentiates MetroPlusHealth from other health insurance companies is that we cater to New York City and understand its diversity.”
The plan includes unlimited telehealth services, dental care, vision care, and access to the largest network of mental health providers in New York City. Reproductive health services are also covered and Luna encourages students to visit an OBGYN doctor for any needed services under the Essential Plan. The plan also includes gym membership reimbursement and other generous rewards programs, such as points for getting a breast cancer screening.
Through a robust communications campaign, MetroPlusHealth is trying to get the word out to CUNY students about this critical healthcare program. Luna also shared information about different city agencies assisting with IDNYC card applications, free financial services and guidance, and robust human rights protections as a part of the joint campaign.
Senior Public Relations Manager at MetroPlusHealth, Divendra Jaffar, added that, “When it comes to your education, healthcare should not be a barrier or struggle.” Undoubtedly the Essential Plan will connect countless CUNY students to the health services they need.
It is crucial to continue the fight for universal healthcare. Regardless of income, every New Yorker should be insured. Navigating a multitude of plans with such a wide range of requirements reinforces the confusion that many feel about eligibility. Our city and country must remain committed to eliminating all barriers to health insurance access and connecting every resident to the coverage they need. MetroPlusHealth’s Essential Plan is bringing increased clarity and accessibility to insurance coverage for CUNY students, and it is the hope that such plans continue to expand for New Yorkers.
