New York: NYSoH announces federal approval to revert Essential Plan back to BHP authority

via NY State of Health: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Approves New York’s Request to Transition Back to Basic Health Program Authority Approximately 450,000 New Yorkers Will Become Ineligible for the Essential Plan Beginning July 1, 2026, and Will Instead Be Eligible for Qualified Health Plans ALBANY, N.Y. (March 23, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health provided an update following federal approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the State’s request to terminate its Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver and return to Basic Health Program (BHP) authority. The transition preserves Essential Plan coverage for approximately 1.3 million New Yorkers with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. "Our priority is to ensure New Yorkers continue to have access to affordable, high-quality coverage,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “We are focused on supporting individuals through this transition and making sure they understand their options and can maintain continuity of care.” Danielle Holahan, Executive Director of NY State of Health, said, “No New Yorker should have to choose between keeping the lights on and seeing a doctor.