Stay Covered
Changes to Medicaid, HARP, and Child Health Plus
COVERAGE CHANGES
How To Prepare
New Medicaid Work Requirements
As of Jan. 1, 2027
Renewal Timeline Changes
As of Jan. 1, 2027
Eligibility Changes Based on Immigration Status
As of Oct 1., 2026
Changes to Continuous Coverage
As of July 1, 2026
We're Here To Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Updates in 2026 and 2027
Many Medicaid, Health and Recovery Plan (HARP), and Child Health Plus (CHPlus) members may be affected by new federal rules. The information below outlines new work requirements, changes to renewal timelines, and updates to continuous coverage.
How To Prepare
You don't have to manage these changes alone. We're here to answer your questions and guide you through any steps you may need to take to maintain your coverage or renew your plan.
Stay connected by taking these steps now:
- Keep your contact information up to date.
Make sure NY State of Health (NYSOH) has your current mailing address, phone number, and email so you receive important notices about your coverage.- Call NYSOH to update by phone: 855-355-5777 (TTY: 800-662-1220), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
- Update online: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
- Watch for notices and requests for information.
Read any communications from NYSOH and respond by the deadline provided. - Contact EmblemHealth for support.
We're here to help you understand how these changes may apply to you and your family. We can also help submit any requested information to NYSOH and assist you when it's time to renew your coverage. View support options below.
Work Requirements for Medicaid Coverage
Starting Jan. 1, 2027:
A new federal rule may require some members age 19 to 64 to work, go to school, or participate in other approved activities to keep their Medicaid coverage.
If this applies to you, NY State of Health may contact you for additional information.
How can I meet the requirement?
Activities that may count include:
- Earn $580 per month.
- Work at least 80 hours per month.
- Attend school at least half-time.
- Participate in a job training program.
- Volunteer in your community
- Combine activities to reach 80 hours a month.
Could I be exempt?
You may not need to meet these requirements if you:
- Are pregnant, or were pregnant in the last 12 months.
- Have a disability or serious health condition.
- Care for a child or a family member with a disability.
- Have Medicare coverage.
- Meet other qualifying exemption criteria.
Visit NY State of Health to learn more about Work Requirements for Medicaid Coverage and possible exemptions.
Renewal Timeline Changes
Starting Jan. 1, 2027:
Some adults ages 19 to 64 may be required to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of once a year.
If you apply for Medicaid before Jan. 1, 2027, or renew before March 1, 2027, you will receive 12 months of coverage if you are eligible. After that, you will renew every six months.
If you apply for Medicaid after Jan. 1, 2027, or renew after March 1, 2027, you will renew every six months if you still qualify.
Eligibility Changes Based on Immigration Status
Starting Oct. 1, 2026:
Some individuals may no longer qualify for Medicaid due to changes in federal eligibility rules related to immigration status. If this change affects you, NY State of Health will notify you and help determine what other health coverage options may be available to you.
Changes to Continuous Coverage
Starting July 1, 2026:
States can no longer provide 12 months of continuous coverage for adults enrolled in Medicaid or extend continuous coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid or Child Health Plus beyond 12 months.
- Children from birth through age 6: Coverage must now be renewed each year to ensure your child remains covered.
- Children ages 7 to 18: Children will continue to receive 12 months of continuous coverage, with no changes. Coverage must still be renewed each year.
- Adults ages 19 and older: Adults whose income rises above the Medicaid eligibility level between renewal dates may no longer be eligible for coverage.
- Pregnant members: Continuous coverage will remain in place throughout pregnancy and the 12-month postpartum period. No action is needed at this time.
Find support, resources, and helpful tools to stay informed about your coverage.
- Call 855-283-2146 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Visit EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care to find in-person help near you.
- View helpful renewal resources.
- Get the myEmblemHealth app to view your plan information anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to common questions about coverage changes for Medicaid, HARP, and CHPlus.
New federal requirements are changing how some members qualify for, maintain, or renew their health coverage. These changes include:
- New work requirements for some adults with Medicaid.
- More frequent Medicaid renewals for some adults.
- Eligibility changes for some adults based on immigration status.
- Changes to continuous coverage for adults and children enrolled in Medicaid or Child Health Plus.
Learn more about these coverage changes from NY State of Health.
Yes, if a coverage change affects you, NY State of Health will contact you with information about any next steps. Be sure to keep your mailing address, phone number, and email up to date and review all notices carefully.
If you enrolled through the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) or your local Department of Social Services (DSS), you will receive notices from that office.
No, not all Medicaid members will be affected. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, some members ages 19 to 64 may need to meet new work requirements to keep their Medicaid coverage. Certain members may be exempt, including people who are pregnant, have a disability or serious health condition, care for a child or family member with a disability, have Medicare coverage, or meet other qualifying criteria.
Learn more about exemptions at NY State of Health.
Starting Jan. 1, 2027,some adults ages 19 to 64 must renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of once a year. When it’s time to renew, NY State of Health (NYSOH) will notify you.
Here's how the Medicaid renewal process works:
- NYSOH will first review the information it has on file to determine whether you still qualify for Medicaid.
- If more information is needed, NYSOH will contact you. You will receive a notice with instructions on what information to provide and how to submit it.
- You will receive a reminder before your Medicaid coverage ends. NYSOH will send a notice at least 15 days before your coverage is scheduled to end.
- Be sure to review any renewal notices carefully and respond by the deadline.
We’re here to answer your questions, assist with submitting required information, and help you renew your Medicaid coverage. Call us at 888-432-8026 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you enrolled through the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) or your local Department of Social Services (DSS), you will receive notices from that office.
If your Medicaid coverage is not renewed on time, you may lose your health insurance and experience a gap in coverage. It is important to keep your contact information up to date and respond to any requests for information by the deadline.
We're here to help you renew. Call us at 888-432-8026 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
In some cases, yes. Starting July 1, 2026, some adults ages 19 and older may lose Medicaid coverage before their renewal date if changes in income or household information affect eligibility. These changes do not apply during pregnancy or the 12-month postpartum period.
Some of these changes may affect Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) members because HARP is a Medicaid program. For example, changes related to work requirements, renewal timelines, and continuous coverage may apply to some HARP members. Certain members may qualify for exemptions. NY State of Health will notify you if a change affects your coverage or if additional information is needed.
Learn more about exemptions at NY State of Health.
If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, NY State of Health will notify you. Depending on your situation, other health coverage options may be available to you. We can help you understand your options and explore available plans.
Call us at 888-432-8026 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
We’re here to help. Call EmblemHealth at 855-283-2146 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You can also visit EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care for in-person support, explore renewal resources, or get the myEmblemHealth mobile app to view information about your coverage.