We know changes to your health coverage can be confusing. We are here to help you understand what these changes mean and what steps you may need to take. Starting January 1, 2027, some people with Medicaid may need to follow new rules to keep their health coverage.
Two Important Changes to Know About
1. Work Rules
Starting January 1, 2027, some adult Medicaid members may need to work, volunteer or go to school or job training. The good news is that you do not need to meet these rules until your next renewal.
You may not have to meet these rules if you are pregnant, have certain health conditions, care for a child or family member, or qualify for an exemption.
A Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through NY State of Health with possible financial help
Health insurance through your job if your employer offers it
2. More Frequent Renewals
Some adult Medicaid members may need to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year.
You may need to share updated information about:
- Your income
- People living in your household
Do not worry. NY State of Health and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield/Univera Healthcare will send reminders when it is time to renew.
Make sure NY State of Health has your correct phone number, email address and home address.
This helps make sure you receive important notices about your Medicaid coverage. If you are enrolled in Medicaid through your county's Local Department of Social Services, contact that office directly to update your information.
For more information:
Visit the NY State of Health Stay Covered web page.
Help for members losing health insurance
✔ Help may be available for medical, dental, mental and behavioral health and prescription drugs
✔ Services can be free or based on your income
✔ Availability and wait times can vary
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
These clinics help people who do not have insurance or have low income.
- You can still get care even without insurance
- You pay based on what you can afford
- You can find them in many cities and rural areas of New York
Services offered may include:
- Regular doctor visits and checkups
- Care for children
- Mental health counseling
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, etc.)
- Women’s health services (OB/GYN)
- Pregnancy and newborn care
- Testing for HIV, STDs and hepatitis C
Other Help Options
- 988 Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for free, private mental health or emotional support anytime (24/7), regardless of immigration status or ability to pay
- 211: Help with food, housing, utilities, elder care, mental health, Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder, transportation and more.
- County Department of Health Services: Contact your county health department to see available medical services.
- County Mental Health Services: Contact your local county office for free or low cost clinics.
- State Cancer Services Program: Offers breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services.
- CHAMP Helpline: Help with insurance issues and finding care. Call 1-888-614-5400 (TTY 711)
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator: Find free or low cost mental health and Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder services.
- Your Essential Plan coverage will end on June 30, 2026.
- This change is due to a change in federal law
- This change affects people across New York state
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
These clinics help people who do not have insurance or have low income.
- You can still get care even without insurance
- You pay based on what you can afford
- You can find them in many cities and rural areas of New York
Services offered may include:
- Regular doctor visits and checkups
- Care for children
- Mental health counseling
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, etc.)
- Women’s health services (OB/GYN)
- Pregnancy and newborn care
- Testing for HIV, STDs and hepatitis C
Other Help Options
- 988 Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for free, private mental health or emotional support anytime (24/7), regardless of immigration status or ability to pay
- 211 : Help with food, housing, utilities, elder care, mental health, substance use, transportation and more.
- County Mental Health Services: Contact your local county office for free or low cost clinics.
- CHAMP Helpline: Help with insurance issues and finding care. Call 1-888-614-5400 (TTY 711)
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator : Find free or low cost mental health and substance use services.
If you do not have insurance, these programs can help lower prescription costs at most major pharmacies including CVS, Walmart and Walgreens.
Discount Programs
- New York Rx Card: Free for all residents. Save up to 80% on generic drugs.
- Cost Saving Apps: Compare prices and use coupons at pharmacies.
Other Help Options
- Patient Assistance Programs: Find free or low cost medicines.
- AIDS Drug Assistance Program: Free or low cost HIV/AIDS medications.
- Your Essential Plan coverage will end on June 30, 2026.
- This change is due to a change in federal law
- This change affects people across New York state
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
These clinics help people who do not have insurance or have low income.
- You can still get care even without insurance
- You pay based on what you can afford
- You can find them in many cities and rural areas of New York
Services offered may include:
- Regular doctor visits and checkups
- Care for children
- Mental health counseling
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, etc.)
- Women’s health services (OB/GYN)
- Pregnancy and newborn care
- Testing for HIV, STDs and hepatitis C
Other Help Options
- 988 Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for free, private mental health or emotional support anytime (24/7), regardless of immigration status or ability to pay
- 211: Help with food, housing, utilities, elder care, mental health, Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder, transportation and more.
- County Department of Health Services: Contact your county health department to see available medical services.
- County Mental Health Services: Contact your local county office for free or low cost clinics.
- State Cancer Services Program: Offers breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services.
- CHAMP Helpline: Help with insurance issues and finding care. Call 1-888-614-5400 (TTY 711)
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator: Find free or low cost mental health and Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder services.
If you do not have insurance, these programs can help lower prescription costs at most major pharmacies including CVS, Walmart and Walgreens.
Discount Programs
- New York Rx Card : Free for all residents. Save up to 80% on generic drugs.
- Cost Saving Apps: Compare prices and use coupons at pharmacies.
Other Help Options
- Patient Assistance Programs: Find free or low cost medicines.
- AIDS Drug Assistance Program: Free or low cost HIV/AIDS medications .
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