Information on Changes to Health Care Coverage and Social Services Benefits
Overview
Changes are happening to health care coverage, including mental health care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other services supporting New Yorkers because of a new federal law called H.R.1. These changes affect some people who get health insurance and support services through New York State. This page shares some resources about what you should know and what you can do.
What is Happening and When?
- Changes to New York's Essential Plan will start on July 1, 2026.
- New federal work requirements for Medicaid coverage will begin on January 1, 2027.
- More expansive requirements for "Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents" also known as ABAWDs who receive SNAP went into effect statewide on March 1, 2026, which means the three-month time limit will start to kick in for recipients on June 1, 2026.
Changes to the Essential Plan
Due to new Federal cuts, signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, New York State is forced to scale back the Essential Plan.
New Federal Work Requirements for Medicaid
Starting January 1, 2027, H.R.1 requires states to put in place ‘work requirements’ (also called ‘community engagement’ requirements) for members of the Medicaid expansion population. Learn more about coming changes to Medicaid:
Learn How to Keep Your SNAP Benefits
If you receive SNAP, you may be subject to new Federal work requirements that are now in effect. You could lose your SNAP benefits if you do not comply. You can meet the work requirements and keep your SNAP benefits if you:
- Earn at least $943 a month, or $217.50 per week
- Do community service or volunteer work
- Learn skills to help get a job
There are exceptions to this rule if you are unable to work at least 80 hours a month because of a physical or mental health reason, or if you participate in substance use treatment.
Check if you are affected and learn how to keep your SNAP benefits:
Where to Get Help
For questions or help with health coverage
For mental health or crisis support
Other helpful resources
What Mental Health Providers Should Know
The new H.R.1 law brings changes for mental health providers. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing shares recommendations for how providers can help people keep their health coverage.
What providers can do:
- Strengthen eligibility help: Have staff ready to help people with questions about their Medicaid or Essential Plan coverage.
- Partner with community groups: Team up with job training programs, schools, and volunteer groups. This can help people find approved activities.
- Offer special help days: Set up times where staff can help people fill out forms, send in documents, or ask for exemptions.
- Track and report problems: Watch how these changes affect people. If people start missing appointments or needing crisis services more often because they lost coverage, report this information to the state Medicaid office.
- Develop clear internal rules: Write down how your staff will identify people who need to follow work rules, check for exceptions, and help with reporting.
- Use smart tools: Use computer tools to help find information in records that show someone should get an exception.
- Use proven methods: Offer treatments and interventions that help people prepare for work or other activities.