The Essential Plan 200-250 Is Ending. We Can Help You Find New Coverage.
About 500,000 New Yorkers earned between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level last year and used the Essential Plan for free or low-cost health coverage. That program has ended. If you are affected, you may need to apply for a new plan through NY State of Health. A licensed broker at Stan Steele Agency can walk you through it at no cost.
Federal poverty level income range for the program that has ended
Source: HHS poverty guidelinesCost to you for help from a licensed New York broker
What Happened to the Essential Plan 200-250?
The Essential Plan is a New York health insurance program. It gives free or low-cost coverage to many New Yorkers who do not qualify for Medicaid. New York pays for the program with federal money from a part of the Affordable Care Act called the Basic Health Program.
In 2024, New York expanded the Essential Plan so that adults earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level could qualify. This expansion was paid for with extra federal funding.
That extra federal funding is no longer available. As a result, New York has discontinued the Essential Plan 200-250 program. People in the 200% to 250% income range can no longer enroll in or stay on this version of the Essential Plan. The Essential Plan still exists for people with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
If you were enrolled in the Essential Plan 200-250, or if your income last year was in that range, NY State of Health is notifying you about the change. You will need to apply for a new plan through the same NY State of Health website. A licensed broker can help you compare your options and apply.
Meet the Team Helping You
Our licensed New York health insurance brokers can help you understand your options and apply for a plan that fits your household. There is no cost to you for our help.
Daren Forrest
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daren focuses on helping New Yorkers move between health plans without losing coverage. He will sit down with you, explain how the Essential Plan change affects your household, and walk you step by step through applying for new coverage on NY State of Health.
Beth Ficarro
Licensed Insurance Broker
Beth helps families compare plans and find coverage that fits their budget and health needs.
Mathieu Steele
Licensed Insurance Advisor
Mathieu helps families with all insurance needs.
How to Choose Stan Steele Agency as Your Broker
You can pick a broker through your NY State of Health account, or you can sign a one-page form and we will handle it for you. Both options are free.
Add us from your NY State of Health dashboard
If you already have a NY State of Health account, this is the fastest path. After you log in, you will see a tile labeled Assistor/Broker on your Dashboard.
- Go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov and sign in.
- On your Dashboard, click the Assistor/Broker tile.
- Choose to change or add a broker.
- Search for Steele Stan Agency. If asked for a county, select Ontario.
- Confirm your selection. Mathieu Steele will appear as your broker.
Sign a Broker of Record letter — we handle the rest
If you are not able to log in, sign a short authorization form online. This is a Broker of Record letter that lets us file your broker selection with NY State of Health on your behalf. We will also need your AC Number and social security number.
- Takes about 2 minutes
- Electronic signature — no printing required
- No cost to you
- Once we receive your form, a licensed broker will follow up to schedule your enrollment appointment
Prefer paper? Call us at 585-657-6101 and we will mail or email a copy.
What to Expect Next
We review your situation
We look at your household, income, and any current coverage. We check whether you may still qualify for the Essential Plan at 200% of the federal poverty level or below, for Medicaid, or for Child Health Plus.
We compare available plans
We compare the Qualified Health Plans available in your county. We check whether your doctors are in network, whether your prescriptions are covered, and how much you would pay each month after federal tax credits.
We help you apply
We help you complete your NY State of Health application and confirm your start date. Most applications can be finished in one appointment.
We stay available
Once your new plan starts, we are still your point of contact. If your income changes, your job changes, or you move, give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Essential Plan 200-250 ending?
New York paid for the expanded Essential Plan with federal funding through the Basic Health Program. After changes to that funding, the state can no longer offer Essential Plan coverage to people with incomes between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level.
Am I affected?
You may be affected if your household income was between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level either now or last year and you have used the Essential Plan. NY State of Health is mailing notices to enrollees. If you are not sure, call us and we can help you check.
Will I still qualify for free or low-cost coverage?
That depends on your income, your household size, and other factors. Some people will still qualify for the Essential Plan at 200% of the federal poverty level or below, or for Medicaid. Others will move to a Qualified Health Plan with federal tax credits that lower the monthly cost. We can review the options available to you.
Do I have to pay you?
No. Our help is free.
When do I need to act?
Act as soon as you can. Essential Plan 200-250 is ending on 6/30/2026 and to maintain coverage without a lapse, we need to resolve this before June 15th. Waiting can mean a gap in coverage.
Can I keep my doctor?
Maybe. Whether you can keep your doctor depends on which plans your doctor accepts. Bring a list of your doctors and your prescriptions to your appointment. We will check each plan's network for you.
Related Coverage Information
NY Health Insurance Overview
Learn about Qualified Health Plans, metal tiers, and NY State of Health.
Essential Plan
The Essential Plan still exists for incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
Child Health Plus
Coverage for children under age 19 in New York.
Read the Article
A plain-language explainer covering who is affected and what to do next.
Important Information
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice or policy recommendations. Coverage features described are examples and may not be available in all policies or from all carriers. Actual coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy as issued. Eligibility for the Essential Plan, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, premium tax credits, and cost-sharing reductions is determined by NY State of Health based on your application. Please consult with a licensed insurance professional to discuss your specific coverage needs and options. Stan Steele Agency is licensed in New York State.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free appointment with one of our licensed New York brokers. We will review your situation, compare your options, and help you apply for new coverage through NY State of Health.
Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM ET • Serving New York since 1969
