Staten Island Residents Concerned About Health Insurance Changes Can Get Help From MetroPlus Health

METROPLUSHEALTH GUIDES ESSENTIAL PLAN MEMBERS THROUGH UPCOMING COVERAGE CHANGES

Timely, compassionate support is available by phone, online, and at all MetroPlusHealth community offices across New York City

Editor’s note: As we’ve discussed previously, many New Yorkers who previously qualified for free health insurance under New York State’s Essential Plan will now be losing their insurance.  There are a variety of low cost clinics for such families, along with free plans offered by this city run program and programs offered by the City hospital network for people who cannot afford care.  Rep. AOC also recently discussed the catastrophic effects these changes in the OBBBA are already having. Here in New York, there is a much stronger safety net than in, let’s say Alabama.  There are programs that supplement Medicaid and help those with low income.  In many other states, people will simply have to do without healthcare at all, with the concomitant lifespan changes that might bring.  

MetroPlusHealth staff share information on how to access affordable, quality health care. Credit: Melody Cao for MetroPlusHealth.

(New York, NY) – MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s high‑quality, affordable health plan, is actively supporting members affected by upcoming federal funding changes to the Essential Plan 200–250 program. With the transition taking effect on June 30, 2026, MetroPlusHealth is taking proactive steps to ensure members understand their options and maintain continuous health coverage.

These changes will impact New Yorkers with household incomes between 200–250% of the federal poverty level – approximately 450,000 people statewide. MetroPlusHealth is committed to providing every impacted member in New York City with clear information and personalized support. Depending on individual circumstances, members may be eligible for a Qualified Health Plan, Medicaid, or another Essential Plan option.

“Our priority is protecting the health of all New Yorkers,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPlusHealth. “We strongly encourage our impacted members to review their options and enroll in new coverage as soon as possible to avoid any gap. MetroPlusHealth is ready to guide every member through this transition with care and clarity.”

MetroPlusHealth representatives are available by phone and in community offices across all five boroughs to help members compare plans and enroll in the option that best fits their needs.

To avoid gaps in coverage, members should:

• Review their New York State of Health eligibility notice carefully
• Select and enroll in a new plan for coverage beginning July 1, 2026
• Enroll by June 15, 2026 to avoid delays or gaps in coverage
• Update their information through NY State of Health, as eligibility is based on current household income

Members losing Essential Plan 200–250 coverage may be eligible for:

• Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) – Bronze, Platinum, Silver, Gold
• Other Essential Plan options
• Medicaid

Additionally, individuals who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or experiencing household income changes may qualify for other coverage based on New York State Department of Health guidelines.

Support Available Now

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MetroPlusHealth is providing free, personalized assistance to help New Yorkers compare plans and enroll with confidence.

Support is available:

By Phone: 1‑866‑496‑6636
In Person: At MetroPlusHealth community offices across all five boroughs
Online: metroplus.org

MetroPlusHealth remains committed to ensuring all members stay informed, supported, and covered during this transition – reinforcing its mission to deliver equitable, accessible care to all New Yorkers.

Banner Image:  MetroPlusHealth staff share information on how to access affordable, quality health care. Image Credit – Melody Cao for MetroPlusHealth.