NYC Health Department to Help More New Yorkers Get Health Insurance Coverage Through New Public Awareness Campaign at Critical Time

NYC Health Department to Help More New Yorkers Get Health Insurance Coverage Through New Public Awareness Campaign at Critical Time

Department Focuses on Helping New Yorkers Renew or Sign Up for Health Insurance as Federal Changes Impact New Yorkers' Health Insurance Coverage

Campaign Launches as New York City Board of Health Condemns Federal Attacks on Public Health Insurance Coverage and Urges Protections

May 19, 2026 - Today, the NYC Health Department launched a new public awareness campaign encouraging New Yorkers to keep themselves and their family healthy by signing up for low- to no-cost health insurance through the department's free health insurance enrollment services. Through the campaign, the department seeks to expand health insurance coverage among underserved communities, making affordable health services more accessible to those who need them most. In total, over 5 million people in New York City are currently insured through low- or no-cost health insurance plans. Many of these New Yorkers may be eligible to renew or assess their options for health insurance in the near future. The NYC Health Department is spending approximately $500,000 on the campaign, which will run through the end of June in 13 languages on social media, in newspapers, and on LinkNYC kiosks.

"Health insurance coverage is a key component to make New York City more affordable for every New Yorker," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. "This campaign could not come at a more important time, as many New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance in the coming year due to changes at the federal level. This campaign will help connect New Yorkers who qualify for low- to no-cost health insurance to primary care, specialists, mental health care, and other services. Every New Yorker deserves access to affordable resources that keep them healthy."

The NYC Health Department provides free enrollment assistance through certified counselors to support individuals and families in enrolling in low- or no-cost health insurance through the New York State of Health Marketplace. Enrollment counselors offer guidance on health insurance and care options, assist with choosing a health plan and primary care provider, and help with renewing health insurance. Additionally, enrollment counselors can help with applications for other benefits, including SNAP. Services are available in multiple languages and accessible to everyone, regardless of immigration status.

This campaign comes at a critical time as changes at the federal level continue to impact people's health insurance coverage. Several changes in federal laws and funding threaten to cause hundreds of thousands of New York City residents to lose coverage. Starting January 2027, Medicaid work requirements will go into effect for certain Medicaid beneficiaries. Additional changes, such as more frequent eligibility redeterminations, will make it harder for many Medicaid beneficiaries to stay enrolled.

In addition, as a result of federal funding changes, upcoming changes to the Essential Plan will cause an estimated 233,000 New York City residents to lose their coverage. While many will be eligible for Marketplace plans, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits after December 2025 has significantly raised the cost of coverage - premiums went up by an estimated $211 on average for a couple - making the Individual Marketplace much less affordable. On top of this, an estimated 30,000 New Yorkers will become ineligible for any Marketplace coverage due to their immigration status.

State and local officials are working to mitigate the potential for coverage loss. Today, the New York City Board of Health unanimously voted to approve a resolution condemning the recent federal attacks on public health insurance eligibility and funding and urge Congress and federal agencies to listen to public health insurance beneficiaries and administrators and reconsider and reverse damaging changes. The resolution calls on the City and State governments to take actions to mitigate harms to insurance enrollment and access to care by seeking to support as many beneficiaries as possible and help beneficiaries who lose coverage to affordably access necessary care without insurance coverage. The resolution also requests that the NYC Health Department develop and carry out a public education campaign - like the one announced today - and support efforts in collaboration with other City agencies, State agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare providers.

Anyone who fears they may be at risk of losing their coverage may contact an enrollment counselor for free. To connect with an NYC Health Department enrollment counselor, call 347-665-0214 or visit nyc.gov/healthcoverage.

"Every New Yorker deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can see a doctor, fill a prescription, and get mental health care without worrying about cost or coverage," said Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health. "This campaign is an important step in connecting more families, especially in underserved communities, to low- and no-cost health insurance options and the enrollment support they need. I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of these free services and secure the coverage they deserve."

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