New York's Affordable Care Act Marketplaces See Slight Decline in Enrollment as Premiums Soar.
The number of New Yorkers signing up for private health plans through the state's marketplace has dropped by 3% compared to last year, with a total of 206,427 individuals enrolling in coverage as of early January. This decrease mirrors national trends, according to the non-profit health policy organization KFF.
However, despite this decline, enrollment numbers have seen an uptick in New York's Essential Plan, a publicly funded insurance option for low-income individuals. As of early January, 6% more people are enrolled in the Essential Plan compared to last year, offering free or very cheap coverage to eligible residents.
State officials note that enrollment trends were trending downward before December 15, the deadline to sign up for coverage that would start on January 1. However, late sign-ups narrowed this gap. Despite this, health officials express concern about people dropping their plans once they receive their first premium bills due to high insurance costs.
One Queens-based figure skating coach, Rebecca Boyden, is struggling to decide whether to keep her Bronze-level plan due to rising premiums. The 55-year-old woman had previously paid around $350 per month in insurance premiums but now faces a monthly cost of $686 after signing up for the more expensive plan. She's having to reassess what she can cut back on and decide how much financial strain she can tolerate without health coverage.
The expiration of enhanced federal insurance subsidies, which slashed eligibility for financial assistance and reduced the amount of assistance individuals received, has contributed to this trend. Premiums have increased by 40% this year, with state officials estimating that nearly $1,400 would be added annually to the average monthly premium of approximately $300 for those benefiting from the subsidies last year.
With New Yorkers still having until the end of the month to sign up for 2026 plans, health officials are urging people to take advantage of affordable coverage options. However, as costs continue to rise and subsidy eligibility dwindles, some individuals may be forced to reevaluate their decisions about health insurance.
The number of New Yorkers signing up for private health plans through the state's marketplace has dropped by 3% compared to last year, with a total of 206,427 individuals enrolling in coverage as of early January. This decrease mirrors national trends, according to the non-profit health policy organization KFF.
However, despite this decline, enrollment numbers have seen an uptick in New York's Essential Plan, a publicly funded insurance option for low-income individuals. As of early January, 6% more people are enrolled in the Essential Plan compared to last year, offering free or very cheap coverage to eligible residents.
State officials note that enrollment trends were trending downward before December 15, the deadline to sign up for coverage that would start on January 1. However, late sign-ups narrowed this gap. Despite this, health officials express concern about people dropping their plans once they receive their first premium bills due to high insurance costs.
One Queens-based figure skating coach, Rebecca Boyden, is struggling to decide whether to keep her Bronze-level plan due to rising premiums. The 55-year-old woman had previously paid around $350 per month in insurance premiums but now faces a monthly cost of $686 after signing up for the more expensive plan. She's having to reassess what she can cut back on and decide how much financial strain she can tolerate without health coverage.
The expiration of enhanced federal insurance subsidies, which slashed eligibility for financial assistance and reduced the amount of assistance individuals received, has contributed to this trend. Premiums have increased by 40% this year, with state officials estimating that nearly $1,400 would be added annually to the average monthly premium of approximately $300 for those benefiting from the subsidies last year.
With New Yorkers still having until the end of the month to sign up for 2026 plans, health officials are urging people to take advantage of affordable coverage options. However, as costs continue to rise and subsidy eligibility dwindles, some individuals may be forced to reevaluate their decisions about health insurance.
in NY they had a 3% drop in enrollment but like on the flip side more people are getting into the essential plan which is def not bad news 
it's just sad that ppl have to reevaluate their plans due to premium hikes 
like rebecca's situation is crazy $686 a month is insane 
and i feel 4 her we need affordable options ASAP 
this is a total bummer... i feel bad for ppl like Rebecca Boyden who can barely afford her plan after the premium increase 
... anyway, i guess we'll just have to keep an eye on this situation and see what happens with the new year 
.
my cousin's aunt is actually one of those people who had to take a cut back in expenses just to afford her Bronze plan, it's super tough 
i feel for ppl who have to choose between paying bills or getting health coverage 
And let's not forget, many of these individuals were already eligible for financial assistance last year. It's just that, yeah, premiums have gone up and subsidy eligibility has changed. That's life, right? We adapt! 
So, even with the decline, there are still plenty of people who are getting affordable coverage. And hey, Rebecca Boyden might be facing some tough decisions about her insurance plan, but maybe she'll find a way to make it work for her! 
. It's a tough spot to be in, and I feel bad for people like Rebecca who have to make hard choices about their health care. 
the new york marketplaces saw a 3% dip in enrollment & premiums are gettin OUT OF CONTROL 
40% increase this year & that's just the beginning... meanwhile, essential plan enrollment is up by 6%, but who can afford it? 
the gov subsidies r like, what's happenin? 
plus, what's with all these plans and subsidies? it's like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded... or worse, not knowing you need it at all 
just make it simple, affordable, and accessible for everyone, ya know? 
It's like, you gotta be able to afford your medical bills if you need 'em... but not so expensive that it's crippling