DACA Holders Lose NY Essential Plan: What to Do Now
On July 1, 2026, about 450,000 New Yorkers woke up without health insurance — and many did not know it yet. Federal cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill slashed Essential Plan eligibility, hitting DACA recipients especially hard. If you have not checked your coverage status, now is the time.
Did you lose your Essential Plan coverage on July 1 — or are you unsure whether you did? The answer depends on your income, your immigration status, and in some cases, whether you are pregnant. About 450,000 New Yorkers lost coverage that day after federal funding cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), also known as H.R.1, eliminated eligibility for people earning between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) — roughly $31,920 to $39,900 per year for a household.
What changed on July 1, 2026
New York Governor Kathy Hochul kept coverage intact for most Essential Plan members by restoring the Basic Health Program. That preserved insurance for roughly 1.3 million people. But anyone in the 200%–250% FPL income band lost their coverage. Those people received letters explaining their options. If you were in that income range and did not act, you may now be uninsured.
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How this affects DACA recipients specifically
DACA recipients face a stricter cutoff. If your household income is above 138% of the FPL — more than $22,024 per year for a single person — you no longer qualify for any New York State health program, unless your personal situation changes significantly. DACA recipients whose income is at or below 138% of the FPL moved to Medicaid automatically on July 1, 2026, with no paperwork required. There is one more exception: DACA recipients who are currently pregnant, or whose pregnancy ended between August 2025 and June 2026, also moved to Medicaid on July 1, 2026, automatically. Pregnant Essential Plan members with an expected due date before January 1, 2027, stay enrolled through the rest of the pregnancy and the first year after birth. Those with a due date after January 1, 2027, were transferred to Medicaid on July 1, 2026.
What to do
- If you lost coverage and earn between 200%–250% of the FPL, you can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) — a marketplace insurance plan. Enrolling by August 30, 2026, avoids a gap in coverage. Call (855) 355-5777 or use the NY State of Health website to compare plans and check if you qualify for federal tax credits that lower your monthly premium.
- If you are a DACA recipient and your income, household size, or immigration status has changed, report those changes online through the NY State of Health portal or by calling (855) 355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220) to find out if you now qualify.
- If you are a DACA recipient who is pregnant or recently gave birth, confirm with NY State of Health that your Medicaid enrollment went through — it should have happened automatically, but verify it.
- To find in-person help near you, use the NY State of Health navigator locator tool on their website.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “How to Apply for Asylum”.
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DACA recipients above 138% of the federal poverty level have very limited options under current New York law — a change in income, household size, or immigration status is the main path back to state coverage. If your situation has changed, report it immediately to NY State of Health, because eligibility can be retroactive in some cases. Anyone unsure about how these cuts interact with their specific immigration status should speak with an immigration attorney or a certified health insurance navigator before making enrollment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have DACA and earn more than $22,024 a year. Do I have any health coverage options in New York?
Under current rules, you no longer qualify for the Essential Plan or Medicaid if your income is above 138% of the federal poverty level (about $22,024 for one person). Your main option is a Qualified Health Plan through NY State of Health. You may qualify for federal tax credits to lower the monthly cost. Call (855) 355-5777 to check.
I am a DACA recipient and I am pregnant. What happens to my coverage?
If your pregnancy ended between August 2025 and June 2026, or if you are currently pregnant, you moved to Medicaid automatically on July 1, 2026. No paperwork was required. Contact NY State of Health to confirm your Medicaid enrollment went through.
I earn between $31,920 and $39,900 a year and lost my Essential Plan. Is there a deadline to get new coverage?
Yes. You have until August 30, 2026, to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan without a break in coverage. After that date, you may face a gap. Call (855) 355-5777 or visit the NY State of Health website to enroll.
Will a Qualified Health Plan cost more than the Essential Plan?
Yes, in most cases. The Essential Plan had no monthly premium, no deductible, and no cost for preventive care. A Qualified Health Plan will have premiums and possibly deductibles. However, federal tax credits may reduce your monthly premium significantly — for example, a household in New York City earning $35,910 a year could qualify for a $637 monthly tax credit and pay $230 per month for a Platinum plan.