Thousands in Ulster County Face Loss of Low-Cost Health Coverage
Thousands of Ulster County residents may lose their health insurance due to New York State's plan to roll back the Essential Plan.
The Essential Plan provides low-cost coverage to low-income adults who do not qualify for Medicaid. However, the plan is being scaled back after a significant cut in federal funding.
- Starting in 2026, New York will reduce eligibility from 250% to 200% of the federal poverty level.
- An estimated 450,000 people statewide may be removed from the Essential Plan.
The Essential Plan has been a safety net for people earning just enough to miss out on Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance.
Author's summary: Thousands of Ulster County residents may lose health insurance due to Essential Plan rollback.