New York's health insurance enrollment numbers have hit a snag as premiums skyrocket. A recent trend shows that fewer people are signing up for private insurance through the state's Affordable Care Act marketplace, with 206,427 New Yorkers enrolling so far this year - a 3% decrease from last year's figures.
While that may seem like a small drop in numbers, it's worth noting that enrollment has actually increased in the Essential Plan, a publicly funded option for low-income New Yorkers that offers free or very cheap coverage. This plan saw a 6% boost in enrollment compared to last year.
However, concerns are growing among state health officials about those who may be struggling to afford insurance with premium hikes of up to 40%. The loss of enhanced federal insurance subsidies has cut off financial assistance for many, making it even tougher for people like Rebecca Boyden to keep their plans. The 55-year-old Queens-based figure skating coach is now facing a tough decision: should she stick with her expensive Bronze-level plan that costs $686 per month?
"I'm trying to figure out what I can do without in order to afford insurance," Boyden said, weighing the financial strain of her premium increases. Her experience isn't unique - many New Yorkers are grappling with similar decisions as they weigh the cost of coverage against their own financial priorities.
The state Department of Health is closely monitoring the situation, with officials concerned that those with high insurance costs may drop out if they can no longer afford their premiums. With only a few weeks left to sign up for 2026 plans, New Yorkers still have time to act, but the decision won't be easy for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
While that may seem like a small drop in numbers, it's worth noting that enrollment has actually increased in the Essential Plan, a publicly funded option for low-income New Yorkers that offers free or very cheap coverage. This plan saw a 6% boost in enrollment compared to last year.
However, concerns are growing among state health officials about those who may be struggling to afford insurance with premium hikes of up to 40%. The loss of enhanced federal insurance subsidies has cut off financial assistance for many, making it even tougher for people like Rebecca Boyden to keep their plans. The 55-year-old Queens-based figure skating coach is now facing a tough decision: should she stick with her expensive Bronze-level plan that costs $686 per month?
"I'm trying to figure out what I can do without in order to afford insurance," Boyden said, weighing the financial strain of her premium increases. Her experience isn't unique - many New Yorkers are grappling with similar decisions as they weigh the cost of coverage against their own financial priorities.
The state Department of Health is closely monitoring the situation, with officials concerned that those with high insurance costs may drop out if they can no longer afford their premiums. With only a few weeks left to sign up for 2026 plans, New Yorkers still have time to act, but the decision won't be easy for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
. i feel bad for people like rebecca boyden, who has to choose between her job and being able to afford health coverage. 40% increase is a huge hike! what's gonna happen when some ppl can't afford it anymore? 
the state should do something about this ASAP 
. I feel for people like Rebecca, she's got other expenses too, you know? And I don't blame her for trying to figure out what she can cut back on to make ends meet 
. It's just hard when it seems like the system is all over the place. But at the same time, you gotta think about those who can afford more, and not leave anyone behind 
. I'm all for the Essential Plan boosting enrollment - that's a great option for people who need help paying for insurance 
. Maybe we just need to find a balance here...
It's like they're trying to push people into the Essential Plan, which sounds too good to be true. And have you noticed how it only increased by 6% this year? That's suspiciously low considering the numbers would've gone way higher if everyone was still getting those fancy federal subsidies.
I mean, Rebecca Boyden's situation is crazy – she can't even figure out how to cut back on expenses just to keep her insurance. That's not right. The state should be doing more to help these people, not just monitoring the situation like they're waiting for someone to drop out so they can say "oh no, we fixed it!" 
like yall went from a 3% increase in enrollment being 'not bad' to now having people actually dropping out cuz they cant afford the premiums 
its just so sad that ppl are struggling 2 afford insurance and it seems like the state isnt doing enuf 2 help them out 
The health insurance enrollment numbers in NYC are a big worry! 
I mean, 3% less people signing up is kinda small, but if they can't afford it, what's the point? 
she's gotta choose between her insurance and paying bills 
the gov should to do smthn 2 help ppl like her out 
I'm all about that Affordable Care Act life 
let's get those subsidies back ASAP 
how can people afford that on a normal income? We should be looking for ways to make insurance more affordable, not just finding cheaper plans 
maybe there's something we can do as a community or as a country to help people out like Rebecca. 
$686 a month is already pretty steep. If they can't afford the Bronze-level plan, what about those who need more coverage? 
this is some crazy stuff! I mean, 3% fewer people signing up for private insurance? That's like, a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the whole state, but still, it's a concern. And don't even get me started on those premium hikes - 40%?! 
... but seriously, how are people supposed to afford that? It's like they're being asked to choose between paying rent/mortgage and having health insurance. And what about those who can't even afford that Bronze-level plan without cutting out essentials? It's just heartbreaking. I hope the state Department of Health is doing something about it, 'cause this is a tough spot for people to be in 
! The state health officials need to step in ASAP and help people like Rebecca figure this out 
.
the state department needs to do something about this ASAP. maybe they can offer more subsidies or something? 
. On the bright side, at least some New Yorkers are getting a better deal with the Essential Plan 
).