New York Attorney General Letitia James today released guidance to help New Yorkers understand their health insurance options and avoid scams as major changes to New York’s Essential Plan take effect. Beginning July 1, 2026, New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan with household incomes over 200 percent of the federal poverty level will no longer be eligible for that coverage. In the guidance, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) explains the different health insurance options available to New Yorkers when they can enroll or change plans, key terms to understand when shopping for coverage, and common scams to avoid.

“Losing health insurance can be stressful and confusing, and New Yorkers deserve clear, reliable information as they make decisions about their care. As federal cuts force changes to health insurance programs across the country, I urge New Yorkers to use our guidance and the free state resources available to find coverage that works for them. No one should be left with unexpected medical bills or pushed into a plan that does not meet their needs because they did not know where to turn.” – AG James