New York’s health-plan overhaul leaves half a million scrambling for costly coverage

New York’s July 1 policy change ended Essential Plan eligibility for residents earning more than 200% of the federal poverty line, leaving about 450,000 former enrollees to find new coverage; roughly half have moved to pricier marketplace plans (with premiums around $800 a month), and about 225,000 could become uninsured. A special enrollment period through Aug. 30 aims to smooth transitions amid broader federal health-policy shifts under the 2025 law.