New York State Department of Health Announces Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage

New "Yes, NY" Campaign Encouraging New Yorkers to Enroll in Quality, Affordable Health Coverage

Open Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans Began November 1 and Ends January 31, 2026

Enhanced Dental Benefits Introduced for 2026

The New York State Department of Health today announced the start of Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance coverage through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, launching a new statewide "Yes, NY" campaign to encourage New Yorkers to enroll in affordable, high-quality health coverage.  Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

"Open Enrollment is a critical opportunity for all New Yorkers to secure health insurance coverage they need for themselves and their families," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "New York remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality, affordable health insurance.  With improved dental benefits and a strong marketplace, we are making it easier than ever for residents to say yes to their health."

"Yes, NY means saying yes to your health, and saying yes to the coverage you deserve," Executive Director, NY State of Health Danielle Holahan said.  "Despite unprecedented federal cuts and changes to health care programs nationwide, in New York we are committed to protecting coverage and ensuring that consumers can access quality health care."

"New York has built one of the strongest health plan marketplaces in the nation with an uninsured rate of less than 5%, but the new federal legislation and potential expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits would unravel a decade of progress we've made in keeping insurance affordable," Deputy Director of NY State of Health Sonia Sekhar said.  "Our priority now is to keep people informed, supported and connected to care as we fight to protect their health and their futures."

Open Enrollment for 2026 Qualified Health Plans opened on November 1, 2025.  Consumers needing coverage can now enroll and existing enrollees can renew starting November 16.  All consumers are encouraged to enroll before December 15, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026.

Navigating Federal Uncertainty

In New York State, over 6.7 million individuals are enrolled through the NY State of Health Marketplace, including 220,000 Qualified Health Plan (QHP) enrollees.  Of these QHP enrollees, 140,000 benefit from enhanced premium tax credits initially authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended under the Inflation Reduction Act (2022).  These tax credits have led to record enrollments in Qualified Health Plans and have made coverage more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers but are due to expire in December 2025 absent Congressional action to extend them.  The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits would raise premiums for consumers currently receiving enhanced subsidies by nearly 40%, creating significant financial consequences for those who rely on these subsidies to afford coverage, and causing economic ripple effects in hospitals and health centers across the state.  There is still time for Congress to act to extend the enhanced premium tax credits and NY State of Health stands ready to do everything in its power to ensure affordability for consumers.

New for 2026: Enhanced Dental Coverage

Despite the impact of new federal legislation, NY State of Health is proud to announce improved dental coverage options for 2026.  Beginning this year, all Stand Alone Dental Plan issuers participating on the Marketplace will offer a standard dental plan for individuals and families.  These plans include uniform benefits and coinsurance rates, making it easier for consumers to compare options, understand their coverage and shop with confidence.  In addition, dental coverage will also continue to be available for adults and families in certain Qualified Health Plans.

Coverage Options

Qualified Health Plans

This year there are 12 issuers offering Qualified Health Plans.  Consumers can enroll as of November 1, 2025, or renew (starting November 16, 2025) in a 2026 Qualified Health Plan, and are encouraged to enroll before December 15, 2025, for coverage starting January 1, 2026.  All Qualified Health Plans cover preventive care, such as routine doctor visits and screenings and pre-existing conditions at no additional cost.

Essential Plan, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus

The Essential Plan, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus are open for enrollment year-round.  All these programs offer comprehensive benefits, including vision and dental benefits for all enrollees with no monthly premium, no deductible, and low-cost sharing.

Small Business Marketplace

Eligible small employers can lower the cost of offering employee coverage with the federal Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit when purchasing Small Business Marketplace-certified plans approved through NY State of Health.  There are currently more than 22,000 employers signed on with the Small Business Marketplace (SBM).  Employers can only access small employer tax credits by completing a short application at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/employer.

How to Enroll

NY State of Health is a one-stop shop platform that allows New Yorkers seeking coverage to compare and enroll in health insurance.  Consumers can enroll by:

• Visiting nystateofhealth.ny.gov
• Calling the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777
• Requesting free personalized help from a Certified Enrollment Assistor at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/findassistor

The Marketplace offers an array of tools that make comparing and enrolling in insurance easy:

• Compare Plans and Estimate Cost Calculator
• Search for Certified Enrollment Assistors in your community
• Web Chat is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov to help consumers complete their applications

More information on 2026 Plans can be found here.