How does Qualified Health Plans work?

Qualified Health Plans are private health insurance available through the NY State of Health marketplace. You’ll pay a monthly fee and some additional costs — copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance — based on your plan. All plans cover: Preventive care at no extra cost (like routine doctor visits and screenings) Pre-existing conditions at no extra cost Essential health benefits How to get affordable healthcare: Enroll by December 15, 2025 to get coverage starting January 1, 2026 . If you already have a plan, you can renew or change it starting November 16, 2025 . If you have limited income or children, you might qualify for free or low-cost public health insurance plans like Medicaid , Child Health Plus , and the Essential Plan —enroll anytime during the year. You can also buy private insurance directly from an insurance company but you won’t be eligible for financial help.

Am I eligible for Qualified Health Plans?

You can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan if you: Live in New York State Are a U.S. citizen or legally living in the U.S. Do not qualify for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus

Qualified Health Plans

Q: How do I Apply to Qualified Health Plans?

Enroll in health insurance through NY State of Health . Call NY State of Health at 855-355-5777 or TTY: 800-662-1220 . Get help enrolling through a health insurance assistor .

How it works

Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans are open now until January 31, 2026 through NY State of Health

Qualified Health Plans are private health insurance available through the NY State of Health marketplace. You’ll pay a monthly fee and some additional costs — copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance — based on your plan.

All plans cover:

Preventive care at no extra cost (like routine doctor visits and screenings)
Pre-existing conditions at no extra cost
Essential health benefits

How to get affordable healthcare:

Enroll by December 15, 2025 to get coverage starting January 1, 2026.
If you already have a plan, you can renew or change it starting November 16, 2025.
If you have limited income or children, you might qualify for free or low-cost public health insurance plans like Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan—enroll anytime during the year.
You can also buy private insurance directly from an insurance company but you won’t be eligible for financial help.

Eligibility requirements

You can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan if you:

Live in New York State
Are a U.S. citizen or legally living in the U.S.
Do not qualify for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus

How to apply

Enroll in health insurance through NY State of Health .

Enroll online

Call NY State of Health at 855-355-5777 or TTY: 800-662-1220 .

Get help enrolling through a health insurance assistor .

Get help

Learn more about health insurance options

Learn more about your options through HRA’s Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access .

Request enrollment help

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

Request a counselor call

Complete a Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance Inquiry Form to receive a call from an enrollment counselor. Free enrollment assistance is available regardless of immigration status and in many languages. Your information will be kept private.

Call 311

For general questions on health insurance and to find an in-person assistor.

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Last Updated November 13, 2025

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