The New York State Department of Health has announced the beginning of Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance coverage through NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan marketplace. The enrollment period began on November 1, 2025, and will run until 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,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “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.”
Executive Director of NY State of Health Danielle Holahan stated, “Yes, NY means saying yes to your health, and saying yes to the coverage you deserve. 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.”
Deputy Director Sonia Sekhar added: “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. 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 allows both new consumers seeking coverage and existing enrollees looking to renew their plans for 2026. Enrollments or renewals completed by December 15 will have coverage starting January 1.
More than 6.7 million people are currently enrolled through NY State of Health Marketplace across various programs; this includes about 220,000 Qualified Health Plan (QHP) enrollees. Of these QHP enrollees, approximately 140,000 receive enhanced premium tax credits that were established under recent federal laws such as the American Rescue Plan Act (2021) and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act (2022). These credits have contributed significantly to higher enrollments by making plans more affordable but are set to expire at the end of December unless Congress takes action.
If these enhanced premium tax credits expire without Congressional intervention, premiums could increase by nearly 40% for those who currently benefit from them. This would affect affordability for many individuals relying on subsidies and could also impact hospitals and healthcare providers statewide.
Despite ongoing changes at the federal level affecting healthcare programs nationally, NY State of Health is introducing standardized dental plans for individuals and families starting this year. All Stand Alone Dental Plan issuers on the Marketplace will offer standard options with uniform benefits and coinsurance rates designed to help consumers compare plans more easily.
Twelve issuers are offering Qualified Health Plans during this enrollment period. These plans cover preventive services like routine doctor visits and screenings as well as pre-existing conditions without additional cost.
Programs such as Essential Plan, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus remain open throughout the year; these provide comprehensive benefits including vision and dental services at no monthly premium or deductible with low out-of-pocket costs.
Small employers purchasing certified plans through NY State of Health may be eligible for a federal Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit if they apply via nystateofhealth.ny.gov/employer. Over 22,000 employers currently participate in this marketplace option aimed at reducing employer-sponsored insurance costs.
NY State of Health offers tools online that allow users across New York state to compare available insurance options before enrolling.
