The state Department of Health reported that one in three New Yorkers, totaling 6.9 million people, now receive healthcare coverage through the state’s marketplace. This key feature of the Affordable Care Act enables individuals to purchase personalized plans, illustrating the growing demand for affordable health insurance.
Comparatively, three years ago at the start of the COVID pandemic, 4.9 million New Yorkers were enrolled in the state’s healthcare marketplace. NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan highlighted the significance of the marketplace as an essential resource for those seeking coverage, pledging to streamline renewals for millions of New Yorkers to retain their insurance.
Of the 6.9 million people enrolled, the majority participate in the state’s Medicaid program, with 5.2 million New Yorkers receiving healthcare through the state’s marketplace as of January. As federal aid for the COVID pandemic has decreased, Medicaid enrollment has experienced significant changes, making it the most expensive item in the budget and the second-largest state Medicaid program nationwide.
Approximately 1 million New Yorkers still lack healthcare coverage. In response, state lawmakers and advocates have proposed measures to extend Essential Plan coverage to undocumented adults in New York this year.
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