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Health Insurance

Federal Rules Are Changing: Your Essential Plan Coverage May Be Affected

As of July 1, 2026, Essential Plan coverage has ended for more than 200,000 New Yorkers with incomes between 200% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (which is $31,920 to $39,900 per year for an individual, $43,280 to $54,100 per year for a household of two, $54,640 to $68,300 per year for a household of three, or $66,000 to $82,500 per year for a household of four).

If your Essential Plan coverage has ended, you may qualify for a special enrollment period, allowing you to enroll in a qualified health plan through the New York State of Health Marketplace without waiting for the annual open enrollment period. The special enrollment period will last until September 1. Enrolling in a plan through the Marketplace anytime before September 1 will provide retroactive coverage for care received dating back to July 1.

The NYC Health Department's enrollment counselors offer free enrollment assistance. Connect with an enrollment counselor today to explore your health insurance and care options. If you cannot afford health insurance coverage through the New York State of Health Marketplace, our enrollment counselors can help you access affordable care without insurance, through the NYC Care program and others.

Press Release: Mayor Mamdani, NYC Health Agencies Intensify Enrollment in Low- and No-Cost Healthcare as Federal Cuts to Essential Plan Coverage Take Effect


Benefits of Health Insurance

There is nothing more important than your health and the health of your family. Some benefits of health coverage include:

  • Health insurance can allow you to access essential healthcare services and help protect you from unexpected, high medical costs.
  • Insurance helps you stay healthy before you get sick or catch illnesses before they get worse.
  • Insurance plans cover routine preventive services, such as physical exams and vaccines.

Connect to Health Insurance and Care Options

In NYC, access to health care is a right. All New Yorkers have health care access options they can enroll in, no matter your immigration status or income.

Enrollment Counselors

Speak to an enrollment counselor by calling 347-665-0214, submitting a Health Insurance Inquiry Form or find a counselor for free assistance.

Our counselors will:

  • Explain your health insurance and care options, regardless of your immigration status.
  • Help you and your family enroll in or renew health insurance.
  • Find out if you qualify for financial help to pay for a low-cost private health insurance plan.
  • Assist you with applying for SNAP benefits (food stamps).

Counselor Locations by Borough

Search below by borough to find a counselor, call for more details, or to schedule your enrollment appointment. Help is available in many languages and regardless of immigration status.

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Bronx

  • Morrisania Health Center
    • 1309 Fulton Avenue, Third Floor
    • 646-656-2512, 646-483-1279, 646-983-1712

  • Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center
    • 1826 Arthur Avenue, First Floor
    • 646-942-1469

Brooklyn

  • Bedford Health Center
    • 485 Throop Avenue, Second Floor
    • 718-637-5363, 718-637-5361

  • Bushwick Health Center
    • 335 Central Avenue, 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 Avenue Extension, Fifth Floor
    • 718-249-1436, 718-249-1435

Manhattan

  • Chelsea Health Center
    • 303 Ninth Avenue, First Floor
    • 929-448-6059, 646-483-4270

  • Central Harlem Health Center
    • 2238 5th Avenue, Second Floor
    • 917-903-7074

  • Riverside Health Center
    • 160 West 100th Street, First Floor
    • 646-364-0760

  • Washington Heights Health Center
    • 600 West 168th Street, Second Floor
    • 212-882-0199

Queens

  • Astoria Health Center
    • 12-26 31st Avenue, Second Floor, Astoria
    • 718-208-6818, 646-483-4270

  • Corona Health Center
    • 34-33 Junction Boulevard, First Floor, Jackson Heights
    • 917-471-4398, 347-236-7049

  • Jamaica Health Center
    • 90-37 Parsons Boulevard, Fourth Floor, Jamaica
    • 929-448-6059, 718-553-3846

Staten Island

  • 135 Canal Street
    • Second Floor
    • 347-752-0474
    • (By appointment only)

Other Ways to Find a Counselor

NYC Health Map

Health Insurance Programs and Coverage Options

Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan are available for enrollment year-round. If you are currently enrolled in these programs, you will need to renew your coverage every 12 months. For Qualified Health Plans, you may only enroll during the Open Enrollment Period (beginning November 1) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you recently had a change in your family circumstances, income, or health insurance.

Learn more about your coverage options and how to prepare at Health Insurance: Programs and Enrollment Tips.

Facilitated Enrollment for the Aged, Blind and Disabled

If you are 65 or older, certified blind or certified disabled, you may qualify for Medicaid. You can get free assistance to enroll in or renew your Medicaid, and apply for the Medicare and the Medicare Savings Program, which helps cover Medicare costs. Note, this assistance is separate from the NY State of Health Marketplace services.

To make an appointment, call 347-396-4705.

For help enrolling in health insurance, learn more at Health Insurance: Aged, Blind and Disabled.

Health Insurance Coverage Options for Immigrants

Medicaid for Undocumented New Yorkers Age 65 and Older

Undocumented adults age 65 and older who meet income requirements are eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid offers comprehensive health coverage including routine doctors’ visits, prescriptions, mental health services and hospital stays.

To qualify, New Yorkers must have income at or below:

  • $21,600 for an individual
  • $29,196 for a household of two

Health Insurance Options for DACA Recipients

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are eligible for the Essential Plan if they meet income and residency requirements. The Essential Plan covers doctors' visits, hospital care, screenings, prescription medicine, dental and vision benefits, and more with no monthly premium.

Due to changed federal policy, individuals with DACA are no longer eligible for Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). This applies to all QHPs offered through the NY State of Health.

Health Insurance for Children in the Early Intervention Program

If you have a child in the New York City Early Intervention Program, your child may qualify for Medicaid and other benefits, even if you already have health coverage.

Health Care Access

  • NYC Care is a program that guarantees low- and no-cost services for residents who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance.
  • Every New Yorker, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay has the right to quality care. For more information, visit Immigrant Health Care.

Additional Resources

More Information