Our Bureau
New York, NY
The New York City Health Department is mobilizing support for New Yorkers at risk of losing health coverage ahead of new federal work requirements and other changes to Medicaid beginning in January 2027.
Of the nearly 3.6 million Medicaid enrollees in New York City, the Health Department estimates up to 900,000 enrollees may be at risk of termination due to the new requirements. In order to maintain or newly enroll in coverage, individuals ages 19 to 64 will be required to provide documentation that they are working, participating in a work training program, volunteering, or attending school at least 80 hours per month, or that their household earns at least $580 per month.
Many may qualify for exemption from these requirements. However, affected New Yorkers will include veterans, students, people with disabilities, and many more who will be at risk of losing coverage if they don’t keep up with new burdensome paperwork and procedures.
The new requirements go into effect on January 1, 2027, for new Medicaid applicants, and March 1, 2027, for individuals already on Medicaid and seeking to renew their coverage.
In addition, today the federal government stopped providing funding for Medicaid coverage of refugees, asylees (people who fled their country for safety) without green cards, and certain other legally present immigrants. These individuals will remain insured as a result of protections under New York State law, with the costs to be fully borne by the state without any federal contribution. However, health plans may change as a result. If the changes affect your coverage, the state will contact you.
New York State of Health sent notification letters to New Yorkers affected by the new work requirements. Anyone on Medicaid is encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with New York State.
In response to the federal changes, the Health Department is taking a three-pronged approach to keep New Yorkers covered: empowering providers, equipping community partners, and directly educating New Yorkers and connecting them to support.
The Health Department is coordinating efforts across City government and a wide range of partners, including healthcare providers and community- and faith-based organizations, to prepare and support Medicaid enrollees as they navigate the new requirements.
This whole-of-government approach, in collaboration with New York State, City Hall, NYC Health + Hospitals, and more than a dozen City agencies and offices will ensure community partners are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to keep New Yorkers enrolled. More efforts are underway and will be ramping up as the changes get closer to taking effect, including targeted individual outreach to help educate and connect individuals to support.
“Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are under threat of losing Medicaid coverage due to unnecessary and burdensome federal requirements — but we are determined to do everything in our power to ensure they stay covered and get the care they need,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “We are working closely with medical providers, community organizations, and government partners to provide resources, education, and direct support to those impacted. No one should lose their health insurance because of needless red tape. We will not stop fighting to protect the health of our city.”
Condemning Attacks on Public Health Insurance
In May, the New York City Board of Health issued a resolution condemning the federal attacks on public health insurance and directing the Health Department to develop a public education campaign in collaboration with other City agencies, community organizations, and health providers to assist New Yorkers at risk of losing Medicaid.
That same day, the Health Department launched a new public awareness campaign encouraging New Yorkers to keep themselves and their family healthy by signing up for low- to no-cost health insurance through the Health Department’s free enrollment services. In partnership with New York State, the Health Department continues to educate New Yorkers about the new work requirements and will launch another public awareness campaign this fall to ensure that New Yorkers are aware of the changes that are coming for the Medicaid enrollees in their lives and how to help them stay enrolled.
Empowering Providers and Equipping Partners
In July, the Health Department contacted over 35,000 healthcare providers, offering guidance on how to discuss the changes with their patients who have Medicaid. Healthcare professionals have also been invited to join information sessions tailored to help them assist their patients.
In September, the Health Department issued guidance to over 60,000 partners from community- and faith-based organizations, equipping them with resources to help community members and congregants stay enrolled in Medicaid. The Health Department has launched a monthly webinar series to make sure partners have a standing place to bring their questions and get real support. More than 300 people attended the first session, representing a broad range of community- and faith-based organizations and healthcare providers. In over 50 training sessions and ongoing engagements, the Health Department has shared information and coordinated resources with City and community partners.