Albany, NY – New York has announced that the state is now able to offer children under the age of six continuous eligibility for Child Health Plus and Medicaid. This change simplifies enrollment in these programs by reducing administrative burdens and ensures the youngest New Yorkers have consistent access to coverage through the age of six. During the state budget process, bill A8146/S7747, introduced in October 2023 by Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and State Senator Samra Brouk, was passed, which triggered the health care eligibility change. The Department of Health submitted a 1115 Medicaid Redesign Team waiver amendment that has been approved by the U.S Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This change will enhance New York’s health care system, advance health equity and expand health care coverage.

New York now joins a growing list of states that provide continuous health insurance eligibility for children, and is one of the few states that provide continuous eligibility up to age 6.

More than 800,000 children under the age of six are enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plus who could benefit from this change.

As of September 2024, more than 2.5 million children under 18 years of age have been enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plus, making New York's public health insurance programs one of the most expansive in the country. Medicaid and Child Health Plus are available for enrollment throughout the year and provide comprehensive health benefits for the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including low-income families with children, seniors, children in foster care, pregnant women and people with disabilities.

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“As a mother I know that annual paperwork to re-enroll your child in healthcare can be laborious and one more thing to do on the long to do list for parents. As a legislator, I’m proud to have led this charge in the Assembly and that my bill passed in the budget to make this change. With a hostile Trump administration coming into office next year, we must do all we can to expand healthcare access to as many New Yorkers as possible. This change will mean less absences in childcare or school for our little ones and fewer missed days at work for parents,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.

“I am committed to expanding healthcare coverage for children in New York State – that’s why I worked hard to get this bill passed in the budget. Our bill, S7747/A8146, offers continuous healthcare coverage for children ages 0-6 and lifts the burden of annual re-enrollment. This legislation will support parents by giving children access to preventative care without interruptions, reducing barriers in healthcare and ensuring that our young people receive the care they deserve.” State Senator Samra Brouk

“When a child has uninterrupted health insurance coverage, parents can access regular check-ups, scheduled vaccines, and preventive health services for their child, setting them up for a healthy start. Continuous Medicaid and CHP coverage is a big win for children and families across the state and ensures that New York will remain a leader in providing affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage for children.” - Kate Breslin, President and CEO, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy