Essential Plan Cut in 2026: What Drivers Must Know

In short: since July 1, 2026, New York's Essential Plan only covers people with household income up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). It used to go up to 250%. For a single driver, that means income above $31,920 a year no longer qualifies. If you were in that 200–250% band, your Essential Plan ended on June 30, 2026. The special sign-up window for people who lost it has closed. Your next chance to buy a marketplace plan without a new life event is Open Enrollment, which begins November 1, 2026 for 2027 coverage.

If your household's yearly income is anywhere near these amounts, check the table below before you assume you are still covered. This page explains the numbers, the dates and the free help. It is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.

The new income limit, by household size

These are the 2026 amounts published by NY State of Health and the Attorney General. "Household income" is yearly income for everyone in your tax household.

Self-employed? Your income from driving is not the same as what the app shows as gross fares. Ask a certified assistor how to report self-employment income, and bring your 1099s, pay statements and last tax return. See taxes for Uber and Lyft drivers for what your tax return shows.

Why it happened

NY State of Health says federal funding cuts in the H.R. 1 law "had devastating effects on New York's Essential Plan." To keep coverage for as many people as possible, the state asked the federal government to end its Section 1332 waiver and go back to a Basic Health Program. Under that program, eligibility stops at 200% FPL. If your income is under 200%, your Essential Plan continues with the same benefits.

The dates

Exceptions you should know

• Pregnant, or pregnancy ended between August 2025 and June 2026: if the baby is due before January 1, 2027, or the pregnancy ended less than a year ago, you can keep the Essential Plan through pregnancy and 12 months after. If the baby is due on or after January 1, 2027, coverage switched to Medicaid.
• DACA recipients: if you are not pregnant and your income is over 138% FPL ($22,024 for one person), the Essential Plan ended June 30, 2026 and NY State of Health says you will not qualify for any of its programs. Pregnant DACA recipients moved to Medicaid.
• Income dropped? Enrollment for Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan is open all year if you qualify. A slow year of driving can put you back under 200%. Report the change.

What it costs now

A Qualified Health Plan (QHP) is a private plan bought on the NY State of Health marketplace, often with a federal tax credit that lowers the monthly premium. NY State of Health gives this example: an individual in New York City earning $35,910 (225% FPL) qualifies for a $637 a month tax credit, making the benchmark Silver plan $230 a month. Your number depends on your income and the plan you choose.

The Attorney General explains the metal levels: Bronze has the lowest premiums but you pay nearly half of costs even after the deductible; Silver covers 70% after the deductible; Gold 80%; Platinum 90%.

What to do now, step by step

No coverage until January? Options for the gap

If you lost the Essential Plan and did not pick a new plan in time, a QHP bought in Open Enrollment would usually start later, and you may be uninsured for some months. You still have ways to get care:

• NYC Care gives low-cost care at NYC Health + Hospitals to New Yorkers who can't get or afford insurance. Fees start at $0. See NYC Care for drivers.
• Hospital financial assistance. The Attorney General points out that hospitals must have financial-assistance programs under state law. Ask the billing office before or after a visit.
• Prescription help. The Attorney General also lists discount drug cards and drug-company patient-assistance programs.
• Drivers Benefits (app and black car drivers who are enrolled): free 24/7 telemedicine, dental and vision. These are not health insurance, but they cover everyday needs. See Black Car Fund driver benefits.
• Check Medicaid again if your income fell. Medicaid enrollment is open all year.

Free help, and scams to avoid

Enrollment help is free. The Attorney General warns against anyone who:

• pressures you to enroll right now,
• asks for payment to help you renew,
• promises a plan that sounds too good to be true, or
• asks for personal information without proof they are certified.

The agencies that run Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan "will never charge New Yorkers to enroll or re-enroll." Only share your information with NY State of Health-certified assistors or navigators, facilitated enrollers, or city and county workers. If you were misled or enrolled in a plan you didn't want, the Attorney General's Health Care Helpline can help.

If you drive for Uber, Lyft or a black car base and are enrolled in Drivers Benefits, its Healthcare Enrollment line (800-218-1491) screens drivers and their families for public plans and QHPs for free. It says everyone can call "no matter your immigration status."

Mistakes that cost drivers money

• Waiting until you are sick. Without a qualifying event, you can only buy a QHP during Open Enrollment.
• Guessing your income. Use your real yearly net figures, not one good week.
• Ignoring mail from NY State of Health. Notices have deadlines.
• Paying a "helper." Real assistors are free.
• Assuming the apps give health insurance. They don't; see does Uber give health insurance.

Related: health insurance for NYC drivers in 2026, Essential Plan definition, NYC Care for drivers, public benefits for TLC drivers, retirement savings and the money topic.