Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the NYC Health Department and NYC Health + Hospitals on July 1 announced an expanded outreach effort to help more than 200,000 New Yorkers affected by changes to the Essential Plan following federal funding cuts.
The initiative is designed to connect residents with affordable health coverage, enrollment assistance and healthcare services as eligibility changes take effect.
The outreach targets New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan with incomes between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level, who are no longer eligible for the program.
"Health care is a human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. No New Yorker should be skipping doctor's appointments, ignoring concerning symptoms or risking bankruptcy because they cannot afford to see a doctor. While the federal government chooses to take health care away from working people, New York is choosing a different path," Mamdani said in a statement.
Those impacted can enroll in a qualified health plan through the New York State of Health Marketplace during a special enrollment period that runs through September 1, without waiting for the regular open enrollment period. Residents who enroll during this 60-day window will receive retroactive coverage for care received beginning July 1.
The effort is significant for Brooklyn and the rest of New York City because it aims to help residents maintain access to healthcare while transitioning to new insurance coverage.
In addition to enrollment assistance, eligible New Yorkers can access low- or no-cost healthcare services through NYC Health + Hospitals, sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis clinics operated by the NYC Health Department and NYC Care, which provides healthcare access for residents who do not qualify for or cannot afford insurance. Services are available regardless of immigration status where specified by the city.
The expanded outreach includes free enrollment counselors to help individuals compare health coverage options and complete applications, as well as financial counselors who can assist residents with identifying insurance alternatives or financial assistance programs. The announcement also highlighted ongoing citywide public awareness campaigns promoting free enrollment services and NYC Care.
Residents seeking assistance can call 311 and ask for "help with health coverage," call 347-665-0214, text "CoveredNYC" to 55676 for multilingual guidance, submit a Health Insurance Inquiry Form online or visit a local enrollment center. The special enrollment period remains open through Sept. 1.
