The federal government passed a new law called H.R.1 that cuts money for healthcare insurance programs like Medicaid. This will affect a lot of New Yorkers.
What's changing:
- New York will lose $8.4 billion every year in federal Medicaid money
- Over 1 million New Yorkers will lose their Essential Plan coverage
- Many immigrants living here legally will no longer qualify for Medicaid (refugees, people with temporary protected status, and others). Pregnant women and children can still get coverage.
New rules starting January 2027:
- You must prove you still qualify for Medicaid every 6 months (not once a year)
- If you're between 19-64 years old, you must work at least 80 hours each month or have a valid reason you can't work (like a disability or caregiving)
Who this affects: About 7 million New Yorkers have Medicaid now. These cuts will really hurt rural areas and communities that already struggle to get health care.
What you can do: Contact Congress and the President if you want affordable health insurance. Contact your state representatives to protect Medicaid in New York. New York can make applying for and renewing Medicaid simpler. It can also create affordable coverage options for people losing benefits.
Last Reviewed: January 7, 2026