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Understanding New Yorkโ€™s Essential Plan: Affordable Health Coverage for Low-Income Residents

Understanding New Yorkโ€™s Essential Plan: Affordable Health Coverage for Low-Income Residents

For many working families, students, and immigrants in New York, finding affordable health coverage can feel overwhelming. Thatโ€™s where New Yorkโ€™s Essential Plan comes inโ€”a smart, low-cost alternative that delivers comprehensive benefits without high monthly premiums.

Whether youโ€™re between jobs, self-employed, or just earning within certain income limits, the Essential Plan may be the perfect fit for your needs. At Secure Safer Insurance Agency, we help clients every day understand and enroll in this valuable programโ€”with free consultations in English, Espaรฑol, เฆฌเฆพเฆ‚เฆฒเฆพ, เคนเคฟเคจเฅเคฆเฅ€, ุงุฑุฏูˆ, ุงู„ุนุฑุจูŠุฉ, เคจเฅ‡เคชเคพเคฒเฅ€, and Wolof.

What’s Inside

What Is the Essential Plan?

The Essential Plan is a health insurance program offered through the NY State of Health Marketplace. Itโ€™s available to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers who donโ€™t qualify for Medicaid but still need coverage they can afford.

There are four versions of the plan (EP1 to EP4), each tailored to different income ranges. All four offer:

  • $0 or very low monthly premiums
  • No annual deductibles
  • Low or no copayments
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

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Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a New York resident between 19 and 64 years old
  • Be lawfully present in the U.S. (including green card holders and certain visa holders)
  • Not be eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or employer-based insurance
  • Meet specific income guidelines based on family size

For example, a single adult earning up to $39,125 or a family of four earning up to $80,375 annually may qualify in 2025. You can find the full income chart here.

Understanding New Yorkโ€™s Essential Plan: Affordable Health Coverage for Low-Income Residents

What Does It Cover?

The Essential Plan offers the same level of protection as more expensive plans, including:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Hospital and emergency services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Lab tests and X-rays
  • Mental health services
  • Preventive care like vaccines and screenings
  • Dental and vision coverage

All without worrying about a deductible.

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Why It Matters

With the cost of living rising across New York City, the Essential Plan helps protect your health and your wallet. It ensures individuals and families get timely care, avoid medical debt, and stay coveredโ€”even during life transitions like switching jobs or losing employer coverage.

At Secure Safer, our licensed agents work with you step by step to avoid common mistakes in the application and ensure you donโ€™t miss out on coverage due to paperwork or documentation issues.

Get Help in Your Languageโ€”For Free

Navigating health insurance can be stressful, especially if English isnโ€™t your first language. Thatโ€™s why Secure Safer Insurance Agency offers free, no-obligation support in your languageโ€”whether itโ€™s Spanish, Bengali, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, or Nepali.

We believe everyone deserves clear answers, trusted guidance, and access to healthcareโ€”regardless of income or immigration status.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

If you’re unsure whether you qualify or how to get started, we’re here to help. Weโ€™ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and make sure you get the best possible coverage under the Essential Plan.

๐Ÿ“ž Call us today at 646-444-2020
๐ŸŒ Or visit www.securesafer.com to book your free consultation.

Let Secure Safer be your trusted partner in affordable healthcareโ€”because peace of mind shouldnโ€™t come with a price tag.

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