NEW YORK (WBNG) — New York state will end the Essential Plan 200-250 at the end of the month due to changes in federal funding, affecting more than 450,000 New Yorkers who earn 200-250% of the federal poverty limit.
The healthcare program offers health insurance to those who struggle to afford it. The coverage will end June 30.
Federal funding cuts will affect plans which currently serve 1.7 million New Yorkers.
The Department of Health submitted a request to the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to terminate its 1332 State Innovation Waiver and reactivate its Basic Health Program. CMS approved the request on March 20.
The approval will preserve coverage for approximately 1.3 million people under the Basic Health Program authority, but 450,000 New Yorkers will lose their Essential Plan coverage on July 1.
Megan Woodward, vice president of member experience at Fidelis Care, said alternatives are available and those affected should call New York State of Health or Fidelis Care to learn the next steps. The deadline to enroll in new coverage is June 15.
“If you continue to qualify for other versions of the Essential Plan like 1-4, perhaps you get coverage for Medicaid and additionally, people may qualify for subsidized coverage of qualified health plans, which are those different medal level options that folks can shop for on the marketplace,” Woodward said.
Essential Plan tiers 1-4 cover individuals earning up to $31,920, $43,280, $54,640 and $66,000, respectively.
Woodward warned about missing the enrollment deadline.
“If you miss that window, that means your coverage ends on June 30th and you’re at risk of going without coverage on July 1st,” she said. “There is still an allowance of late action, but that might mean missing that July 1st window.”
Some individuals may return to the individual marketplace, others to employer-sponsored coverage, and some will become uninsured.
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