New York Drops 900,000 People From Medicaid – Here’s Why & How to Keep Your Coverage

Nearly 900,000 New Yorkers have lost Medicaid coverage as the state resumes normal eligibility redetermination following the expiration of pandemic-era continuous coverage provisions. The policy, initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed enrollees to remain on Medicaid without the need for annual renewal.

Now that these protections have ended, New York State is reviewing eligibility requirements, leading to the removal of hundreds of thousands from the health insurance program.

For more details, visit the New York State of Health website.

Why Did 900,000 People Lose Medicaid?

The large-scale disenrollment is due to the return of Medicaid renewal procedures that had been paused during the pandemic. Several factors contributed to the removals:

• Failure to Renew Paperwork: A significant number of those disenrolled—about 46%—were removed because they did not complete required renewal forms rather than being found ineligible.
• Income Changes: Some enrollees no longer qualify due to income increases that exceed Medicaid limits.
• Transition to Employer or Marketplace Coverage: Some individuals who lost Medicaid coverage may now be eligible for employer-sponsored plans or subsidized insurance through New York’s health insurance marketplace.
• Federal Policy Shift: The pandemic-era Medicaid expansion ended, requiring states to reassess eligibility for all enrollees.

To check your eligibility or reenroll, visit New York’s Medicaid Eligibility Guide.

What Happens Next?

While 900,000 people have lost Medicaid, New York State reports that 4.7 million people have successfully renewed their coverage. The state is actively reaching out to disenrolled individuals to help them reapply or transition to alternative health plans.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has proposed a $6.4 billion increase in Medicaid funding to improve the program and support hospitals dealing with financial challenges. However, concerns remain about whether disenrolled New Yorkers will regain coverage before facing healthcare disruptions.

More details on the budget plan are available at New York State’s Budget Office.

What Should You Do If You Lost Medicaid Coverage?

If you were among those disenrolled from Medicaid, you should take the following steps immediately:

1. Check Your Status
   • Log in to NY State of Health or contact the New York Department of Health to confirm whether your coverage has been terminated.
2. Complete Your Medicaid Renewal
   • If you lost Medicaid due to procedural reasons (such as missing paperwork), you may still be eligible to reapply.
   • Renew your Medicaid application online, by mail, or by visiting a local Medicaid office.
3. Explore Alternative Coverage Options
   • If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may qualify for low-cost insurance plans through New York State’s Health Insurance Marketplace.
   • Visit NY State of Health for assistance in finding a qualified health plan (QHP) or employer-sponsored coverage.
4. Look Into Other State Programs
   • If you still need financial assistance, programs like Essential Plan (a subsidized plan for low-income residents) may be an option.

Concerns Over the Disenrollment Impact

Health advocates are warning that the mass removal from Medicaid could have serious consequences:

• Increased Uninsured Rates: Many individuals may go without healthcare coverage, leading to higher out-of-pocket medical costs.
• Confusion Over Reenrollment: Some recipients are unaware they need to renew or may struggle with the application process.
• Hospitals & Clinics Affected: A rise in uninsured patients could increase the financial burden on healthcare providers.

Organizations like Community Health Advocates are offering free assistance to those who need help navigating Medicaid renewal.

What’s Next for Medicaid in New York?

The state government is working to prevent further disenrollments by increasing outreach and improving communication with beneficiaries. Officials encourage those affected to take action immediately to avoid gaps in health coverage.

If you need assistance, contact:

• New York State Medicaid Helpline: 1-800-541-2831
• Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center: 1-855-355-5777

Conclusion: Act Now to Protect Your Health Coverage

The removal of 900,000 people from Medicaid in New York marks a significant shift in healthcare policy as pandemic-era protections end. If you or someone you know has lost coverage, review your options immediately, renew your Medicaid enrollment, or explore alternative low-cost health insurance options.

With Governor Hochul’s budget proposal aiming to expand Medicaid funding, there is hope that some coverage gaps will be addressed. However, for now, those affected must take proactive steps to avoid losing access to necessary medical services.

For the latest Medicaid updates, visit Medicaid.gov and New York State of Health.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.