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.

• Visit the NY State of Health Stay Connected webpage to review an overview of these changes, including details of who is affected and information for enrollees.
• Read summaries of the Impact of H.R.1 Legislation on New York’s Essential Plan, including the number of impacted enrollees by Congressional District.

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:

• Visit the Changes to Medicaid Coverage webpage to learn about work requirements for Medicaid coverage, a timeline for the changes, and what you can do to prepare.
• The Implementing H.R.1: A Communications Tool Kit includes news and updates, as well as communication tools like fact sheets in many languages.

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:

1. Earn at least $943 a month, or $217.50 per week
2. Do community service or volunteer work
3. 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:

• Summary of New SNAP Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents
• SNAP Work Requirements
• How to Keep Your SNAP Benefits and Additional Resources

Where to Get Help

For questions or help with health coverage

• NY State of Health Customer Service Center: 1-855-355-5777 (TTY:1-800-662-1220)
• Chat online: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
• Find free help in person

For mental health or crisis support

• Call or text or chat 988 anytime, 24/7
• Contact your local mental hygiene department
• Find a mental health program

Other helpful resources

• Office for New Americans: Know your Rights, Know Your Resources
• NYS Social Care Networks (SCN): Find the SCN for your county to learn how it can help

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.

Training Series on Federal Changes: What Providers Can Do Now to Prepare

July 29, 2026 Webinar | Medicaid & SNAP Changes: What Behavioral Health Providers Need to Know

This webinar focuses on the anticipated impacts of HR1-related policy changes on Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Learn more about what these changes may mean for New York State behavioral health providers and the individuals they serve. The webinar offers an overview of key Medicaid and SNAP changes, highlights populations most likely to be impacted, and discusses practical strategies providers can use to prepare and respond proactively.

• Webinar Slides