Important Changes to New York Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan

Do you or a family member currently have health insurance through New York State Medicaid, Child Health Plus or the Essential Plan? Starting in Spring 2023, New York State will resume eligibility reviews and renewals for people enrolled in these programs. This means you may need to take action to renew your health insurance or the insurance of your family members.

Here are some things you can do now to get ready.

1) Sign up for text alerts

Sign up to receive SMS/MMS Text alerts from NY State of Health so you don’t miss important health insurance updates, including when it’s time to renew your coverage.

To subscribe, text START to 1-866-988-0327.

2) Make sure your address is up to date

Make sure NY State of Health has your current mailing address, phone number and email address so they can contact you about your health insurance. To update your information:

• Call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)

• Log into your account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or

• Contact an enrollment assistor

If you enrolled in Medicaid through your county’s Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration, contact that office to update your address and contact information.

3) Take Action

When it is time to renew your health insurance, you will receive a letter from NY State of Health or a renewal packet if you enrolled through your county’s Local Department of Social Services or the New York City Human Resource’s Administration. This letter/packet will let you know what you need to do to renew your coverage and how much time you have to respond. Follow the instructions right away.