How does Essential Plan work?

Covers dental and vision benefits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive care like routine exams and screenings, and more No deductible — the plan starts paying for your healthcare right away There’s no enrollment period — you can enroll at any time during the year through NY State of Health

Am I eligible for Essential Plan?

You may qualify if you’re: A New York State resident and meet immigration status requirements Ages 19 to 64 Not eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus Not eligible for employer and other coverage Meet these income requirements based on your household size: Household size Yearly income Monthly income 1 $31,920 $2,660 2 $43,280 $3,606.67 3 $54,640 $4,553.33 4 $66,000 $5,500 5 $77,360 $6,446.67 6 $88,720 $7,393.33 7 $100,080 $8,340 8 $111,440 $9,286.67 Each additional person: +$11,360 +$946.67

What do I need in order to apply to Essential Plan?

You’ll need the following for each member of your household: Birth dates Social security numbers Employment, income, and health insurance information

Essential Plan – ACCESS NYC

Q: How do I Apply to Essential Plan?

Enroll at the NY State of Health . Call 855-355-5777 or 311 to ask about applying to Essential Plan. Find an in-person enrollment assistor near you.

How it works

The Essential Plan provides comprehensive health insurance benefits with $0 monthly premiums and low cost-sharing.

Covers dental and vision benefits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive care like routine exams and screenings, and more
No deductible — the plan starts paying for your healthcare right away
There’s no enrollment period — you can enroll at any time during the year through NY State of Health

Eligibility requirements

You may qualify if you’re:

A New York State resident and meet immigration status requirements
Ages 19 to 64
Not eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus
Not eligible for employer and other coverage
Meet these income requirements based on your household size:

Household size	Yearly income	Monthly income
1	$31,920	$2,660
2	$43,280	$3,606.67
3	$54,640	$4,553.33
4	$66,000	$5,500
5	$77,360	$6,446.67
6	$88,720	$7,393.33
7	$100,080	$8,340
8	$111,440	$9,286.67
Each additional person:	+$11,360	+$946.67

Immigration status requirements

The Essential Plan is open to U.S. Citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, and asylees

Required documents

You’ll need the following for each member of your household:

Birth dates
Social security numbers
Employment, income, and health insurance information

How to apply

Enroll at the NY State of Health.

Apply online

Call 855-355-5777 or 311 to ask about applying to Essential Plan.

Find an in-person enrollment assistor near you.

Get help

Get enrollment help

GetCoveredNYC helps New Yorkers enroll in health insurance. Dedicated specialists can assist you in your language for free.

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Last Updated July 1, 2026

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Essential Plan | NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)