Key Takeaways
- About 26,000 people across the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions are affected by the changes to the Essential Plan.
- Financial case managers are reaching out to affected patients to enroll them in alternative coverage as needed.
- Using the Help Me Apply program connects patients directly with financial case managers who find them coverage or financial assistance.
If you are one of the thousands of people using the Essential Plan whose medical insurance coverage has been affected recently, our financial case managers are ready to help you find new coverage. Call or email our Help Me Apply Program to find alternative health insurance coverage today.
Across New York, nearly 500,000 people were at risk of losing health insurance coverage after changes that went into effect on July 1, 2026.
The changes came from new federal Medicaid eligibility requirements that were enacted as part of H.R. 1. People whose households are between 200-250 percent of the federal poverty level are no longer eligible to receive health coverage under New York’s Essential Plan.
In the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions, about 26,000 people are affected by these changes. Rochester Regional Health is working to ensure that we reach as many of our patients as possible and help them find alternative coverage.
“At several Rochester Regional Health hospitals, we are already seeing an increase in the number of patients who are paying out of pocket for their healthcare costs compared to the same period last year,” said Amy Armstrong-Szabo, Director of Financial Counseling with Rochester Regional Health.
What we are doing to help Essential Plan patients
New York State Department of Health officials reviewed the patients affected by the changes to the Essential Plan and automatically renewed as many as possible so they could be moved to an alternative medical insurance plan.
To ensure any remaining patients avoided a gap in coverage, Department of Health workers reached out to Rochester Regional Health with a list of patients affected by this change. Our financial case managers are reaching out to them.
After getting in touch with a patient, financial case managers work closely with them to enroll them in alternative medical insurance coverage. Patients are also able to update their application and enroll in a new plan on their own.
“If one of these affected patients is in one of our hospitals or offices, our financial case managers actively try to visit them in person to offer assistance with enrollment,” Armstrong-Szabo said. “If we can’t meet with them in person, we follow up over the phone or with a MyCare message.”
As our financial case managers work closely with patients, Rochester Regional Health continues to partner with state representatives to ensure they understand the significant impact these changes are having on patients and families across our communities.
While our teams are working tirelessly to help affected patients navigate their insurance options and connect with alternative coverage, we know that individual assistance alone cannot address the broader challenges created by these changes.
Finding help with health insurance and financial assistance in Rochester
At Rochester Regional Health, we understand healthcare coverage can be challenging for some of our patients – and we work hard to make sure that those with limited or no health insurance still receive the care they need.
Our Help Me Apply program offers assistance for patients who need to apply for health insurance coverage. Anyone can email our financial case managers or call our dedicated phone line for assistance with enrolling.
Rochester Regional Health offers several financial assistance options in addition to helping patients navigate their changes in health insurance coverage. Depending on each patient’s eligibility, options may include:
“We understand that changes in health coverage can be difficult and confusing to navigate,” Armstrong-Szabo said. Our teams will continue reaching out to patients who may be affected, helping them understand their options and doing everything we can to connect them with available coverage so they can continue to access the care they need.”
Related Articles
