Open enrollment set to begin Nov. 1

ALBANY — New Yorkers can begin renewing their health insurance or enrolling in a new policy for 2027 through the state-run marketplace beginning Nov. 1, when the state's open enrollment period begins.

This year's enrollment period runs through Jan. 31 and comes at a time when health care costs continue to rise and the state has already experienced significant changes to how it administers health insurance for more than half a million previously enrolled in the Essential Plan and Medicaid program due to federal changes approved in a reconciliation bill approved by federal lawmakers last year.

More than 800,000 New Yorkers are up for renewal this enrollment season, including those enrolled in individual and small group market plans, according to the state's Department of Health, which oversees the enrollment period through New York State of Health, the state's health marketplace.

The agency is encouraging New Yorkers to enroll in a new plan or make changes to an existing policy by Dec. 15 so coverage can begin on Jan. 1.

To aid in the process, the state has launched a network of enrollment assistants that offer free services in every county that can help New Yorkers determine their eligibility and find the best coverage option.

"Every New Yorker deserves access to quality, affordable health coverage and the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is available," Dr. James McDonald, the state's health commissioner, said in a statement. "As open enrollment begins, we encourage everyone to explore their options and take advantage of the free, trusted assistance available to find coverage that meets their needs."

Rising premiums

This year's enrollment period comes just months after state regulators approved new rate increases for individual and small group market plans sold on the state exchange that increased premiums by an average of 6% and 8%, respectively.

While the new rate increases are less than half those requested by major insurers, the ballooning premiums will again mark an increase in health care costs for thousands of New Yorkers who purchase their insurance through the state-run exchange at a time when the growing cost of health care remains a top issue for many Americans.

Last year, millions throughout the country who purchase their insurance through government-run exchanges were hit hard by rising costs that were exacerbated by the expiration of enhanced subsidies, leading to an average net increase in premiums in excess of 50% for many, according to KFF, an independent health policy research organization.

A recent report by the organization found that the number of individuals who purchased insurance through exchanges during last year's open enrollment period fell by approximately 2.6 million compared to the 2025 open enrollment period, decreasing from 21.8 million to 19.2 million.

Enrollment has continued to drop throughout the year as individuals have their plans terminated for not making payments or have opted to drop their plans.

A KFF survey released earlier this year found that 55% of returning enrollees were planning to slash household spending in order to afford health care costs. An additional 17% said they were not confident they could pay their premiums throughout 2026.

Impacts on New York

In New York, the number of individuals who signed up for insurance through the state-run exchange dropped to 210,704 during last year's enrollment period, a decrease of 10,830, or just under 5%, compared to 221,534 who enrolled the year before.

But the number of individuals who kept their plans has continued to drop since the enrollment period ended, with the latest effectuated enrollment data showing that just 186,497 New Yorkers kept their insurance as of February 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which tracks enrollment data.

It's unclear how many individuals were able to obtain health insurance through other means like employment or a spouse, or how many are currently without insurance. The Trump administration has said that the drop in enrollment can be traced to fraud, but has not produced evidence backing that claim.

Rising premiums are not the only issue impacting health care for New Yorkers.

Beginning Jan. 1, Medicaid enrollees between the ages of 19 and 64 will be required to renew their benefits every six months and follow new work requirements in order to maintain their benefits.

Proponents of the measure argue the changes will root out wasteful and fraudulent spending and help end the reliance on the government safety net program, but critics fear the changes will push qualified individuals off the program and further tax an already stressed health care system.

Earlier this year, 450,000 enrolled in the Essential Plan — the state's no-cost insurance option for low-income New Yorkers who do not qualify for Medicaid — lost their coverage under recently expanded income limits due to funding cuts approved in the Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

A majority of those impacted were able to either re-enroll in the Essential Plan or qualified for Medicaid due to changes in their income. Others were able to enroll in a new insurance plan through the state exchange during a special enrollment period that ended in August.

But nearly 180,000 others had not enrolled in a new plan, according to the state's Department of Health.

Help navigating challenges

To aid in the enrollment process, New York has launched a network of more than 9,000 enrollment assistance throughout the state, with assistance available in multiple languages. Appointments are available through community locations across New York.

For information on booking an appointment or to view health insurance plans, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or call a customer service center at 855-355-5777.

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