If you are among the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers set to lose Essential Plan coverage in July, you likely received notice from the State Health Department that you can select a new health insurance plan before June 30.
While that may sound like plenty of time, some health insurance administrators recommend enrolling by June 15 to avoid gaps in coverage. This would guarantee your health coverage starts July 1.
As Epicenter NYC has reported, individuals earning between $31,920 and $39,900 annually — or between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level — will lose access to the low- or no-premium insurance plan.
The changes stem from President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax bill, which included major cuts to federal healthcare spending. The bill cut Medicaid funding as well as support for the Essential Plan, which was designed for people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. It will also make tens of thousands of New Yorkers ineligible for marketplace healthcare coverage because of their immigration status.
Here’s what affected New Yorkers should do:
- If you haven’t already done so, review your notice carefully and confirm whether your Essential Plan coverage ends June 30.
- If you have been notified that you qualify for a Qualified Health Plan, review the plans available to you as soon as possible.
- Experts recommend affected New Yorkers compare replacement plans immediately instead of waiting for summer. Monthly premiums, subsidies and out-of-pocket costs can vary a lot by plan. So can the drug coverage, hospitals, doctors or specialists under your replacement plan. It pays to start early to find your best fit.
- This state marketplace comparison tool can help people compare plans and costs before enrolling.
- New Yorkers can contact a city health department enrollment counselor by calling 347-665-0214, submitting a health insurance inquiry form or visiting a counselor in person. They can also text “CoveredNYC” to 55676 or search the NYC Health Map.
These certified counselors offer free guidance on health insurance and care options, assistance with choosing a health plan and primary care provider, and help with renewing health insurance. Services are available in multiple languages and regardless of immigration status.
- Since health insurance isn’t the only need you might have right now, these counselors can also help with applications for other benefits, including SNAP.
Here are locations throughout the boroughs where you can find enrollment counselors in person or over the phone:
QUEENS
- Astoria Health Center
12-26 31st Ave., Second Floor
718-208-6818, 646-483-4270
- Corona Health Center
34-33 Junction Blvd., First Floor
917-471-4398, 347-236-7049
- Jamaica Health Center
90-37 Parsons Blvd., Fourth Floor
929-448-6059, 718-553-3846
BROOKLYN
- Bedford Health Center
485 Throop Ave., Second Floor
718-637-5363, 718-637-5361
- Bushwick Health Center
335 Central Ave., First Floor
347-236-7029, 646-799-1346, 347-236-9934
- Crown Heights Health Center
1218 Prospect Place, Second Floor
646-866-4173
- Fort Greene Health Center
295 Flatbush Ave. Extension, Fifth Floor
718-249-1436, 718-249-1435
THE BRONX
- Morrisania Health Center
1309 Fulton Ave., Third Floor
646-656-2512, 646-483-1279, 646-983-1712
- Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center
1826 Arthur Ave., First Floor
646-942-1469
MANHATTAN
- Chelsea Health Center
303 Ninth Ave., First Floor
929-448-6059, 646-483-4270
- Central Harlem Health Center
2238 5th Ave., Second Floor
917-903-7074
- Riverside Health Center
160 West 100th St., First Floor
646-364-0760
- Washington Heights Health Center
600 West 168th St., Second Floor
212-882-0199
STATEN ISLAND
- 135 Canal St.
Second Floor (By appointment only)
347-752-0474
