Nearly half a million low-income New Yorkers will lose access to zero-premium health insurance next summer due to federal funding cuts, according to the Times Union.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration said it will scale back the Essential Plan, a federally funded program serving 1.7 million residents — mostly immigrants — after Republicans in Congress slashed support. The plan will now only cover those making under 200% of the federal poverty line, down from 250%.
State officials say the move protects 1.3 million enrollees, but leaves 450,000 scrambling for alternatives. Public comment on the change is open through Oct. 10.
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