If you’re enrolled in New York’s Essential Plan, you need to find alternative plans through the health insurance marketplace by July 1, 2026.
Due to a federal funding cut, individuals enrolled in an Essential Plan will lose their current $0 premium coverage on July 1, 2026, and will need to find an alternative plan through the health insurance marketplace.
What does this mean for you?
- You will be notified by the state about the need to switch coverage. Typical notifications come by mail, email, text and WhatsApp Messaging, based on the alert that was specified when you applied for your plan.
- Alternatives to the Essential Plan will likely mean higher monthly premiums and may have different benefit structures. Our Financial Counseling Center is here to help you assess your options.
- To avoid a gap in coverage, you need to enroll in a new plan before July 1, 2026.
Need more information?
- Further changes due to government interventions are possible, and understanding the impacts of these changes can be difficult: contact our Financial Counseling Center to get up-to-date information and guidance in real time. Our Financial Counseling team is available from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday, and Tuesday until 7pm. Contact us at 716.847.2441 (press option 7), or walk in to our 206 South Elmwood Avenue location.
- Visit info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/findassistor to find help with enrollment near you, available in all languages.