ALBANY- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has approved the state’s waiver to expand the Essential Plan, a public health insurance program, to residents with incomes up to $37,650 annually for an individual. The expansion of coverage will save qualified New Yorkers an average of $4,700 per year compared to what they would have spent on health coverage.
“Federal approval to expand the Essential Plan is an important step toward building a better health care system statewide,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “This waiver expands our Essential Plan to another 100,000 New Yorkers and saves them thousands of dollars each year, strengthening our commitment to ensuring New Yorkers have access to quality insurance.”
The Essential Plan covers over one million low-income New Yorkers, providing comprehensive benefits with no monthly premiums, no deductible, and low-cost sharing. It also includes free preventive care, adult vision, and dental care without cost-sharing.
Prior to the implementation of the waiver, eligibility for the Essential Plan is limited to residents with incomes around $30,000 annually for an individual. Under the waiver, current Essential Plan enrollees will continue to have the same benefits with no premiums, no deductibles, and current maximum out-of-pocket contribution levels with more individuals will qualifying for the program.
The Business Council of New York State lauded the implementation of the waiver noting that expanded healthcare access will improve health outcomes across the state.
“Access to affordable, quality healthcare is crucial to eliminating health disparities. This expansion of the Essential Plan will keep more individuals and families insured and lead to better health outcomes across the state,” said Paul Zuber, Executive Vice President of the Business Council.
