How Is Medicaid Coverage Changing When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends?

Why is this important?

Enrollees in Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP) and the Essential Plan (EP) have not had to renew their health insurance since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Insurance was automatically renewed without checking for eligibility.

The PHE ends on May 11, 2023. That means that:

• Federal rules will require that New York State has to start determining eligibility for all enrollees in these public health insurance programs, which will result in some people losing their coverage.
• Renewal notices are being sent out to enrollees based on when their enrollment ends – which is between June 30, 2023 through May 31, 2024. These renewal notices will include the deadline to take action to renew insurance. Insurance must be renewed. Otherwise, there will be a gap in coverage. Those who are determined to be no longer eligible will get assistance in exploring other options.
• The ACA health insurance plans are an excellent option for affordable insurance!

What do I need to do now?

To avoid a lapse in coverage, you should:

• Update your address and contact information with NY State of Health in any of the following ways:
  • Go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov
  • Call 1.855.355.5777
  • Text START to 1-866-988-0327
  • Contact an enrollment assistor,  an expert who will provide application and enrollment assistance

How can I stay connected?

• Sign Up for Text Alerts from NYSOH
  • To subscribe, text START or INICIAR to 1-866-988-0327
• Follow New York State Department of Health on Social Media
  • Twitter — @HealthNYGov
  • NYSDOH Website — health.ny.gov
• Scan this QR Code:
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• Download English/Spanish two-sided flyer here