Last verified: November 8, 2026. By Joe Bjorklund · How we check · Report an error
Key Takeaways
- New York’s benchmark silver marketplace plan averaged $817 a month for a 40-year-old in 2026, or $9,804 a year, before any tax credit (KFF; NewYorkCostOfLiving.com calculation: monthly × 12).
- For 2027, New York regulators approved an average 6.0% increase for individual plans, versus 20.6% requested, and 8.0% for small group plans, versus 23.7% requested (NYS Department of Financial Services, Sept 4, 2026).
- Since July 1, 2026, the Essential Plan covers adults with income below 200% of the federal poverty level, $31,920 for a single adult in 2026, down from 250% before (NYS Department of Health; HHS).
- About 450,000 people above the new limit were moved to Qualified Health Plans, while about 1.3 million kept Essential Plan coverage (NYS Department of Health).
- Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 on NY State of Health; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1 (NY State of Health).
How much does health insurance cost in New York?
On New York’s marketplace, NY State of Health, the benchmark silver plan averaged $817 a month for a 40-year-old in 2026, up from $790 in 2025, according to KFF. The lowest-cost bronze plan averaged $610 and the lowest-cost gold plan $1,057. These are statewide averages before premium tax credits, which lower the price for many buyers.
Paying the full benchmark price would cost $9,804 a year, about 15% of the $64,866 median income of a New York City renter household (NewYorkCostOfLiving.com calculation; NYC Rent Guidelines Board).
| Plan | 2025 monthly | 2026 monthly | 2026 annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost bronze | $605 | $610 | $7,320 |
| Lowest-cost silver | $766 | $788 | $9,456 |
| Benchmark silver | $790 | $817 | $9,804 |
| Lowest-cost gold | $1,018 | $1,057 | $12,684 |
How much will health insurance go up in 2027?
The NYS Department of Financial Services approved an average 6.0% rate increase for 2027 individual market plans, after insurers requested 20.6%, and 8.0% for small group plans, after requests of 23.7%. DFS said the cuts save consumers and small businesses about $1.6 billion, and the plans cover about 860,000 New Yorkers (DFS, Sept 4, 2026).
| Market | Insurers requested | DFS approved | Savings vs. request |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual market | 20.6% | 6.0% | $324 million |
| Small group market | 23.7% | 8.0% | $1.25 billion |
Who qualifies for the Essential Plan in 2026?
Starting July 1, 2026, New York’s Essential Plan covers adults with income below 200% of the federal poverty level. People from 200% to 250%, who had been covered, moved to Qualified Health Plans because of the federal law H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21), according to the NYS Department of Health. About 1.3 million people kept Essential Plan coverage and about 450,000 moved.
Based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines, 200% of the poverty level is $31,920 for one person and $66,000 for a household of four (NewYorkCostOfLiving.com calculation). The Essential Plan has no monthly premium for most enrollees, and enrollment is open all year, as it is for Medicaid and Child Health Plus (NY State of Health).
| Household size | 2026 poverty guideline | 200% limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 |
How do you sign up for health insurance in NYC?
New York City residents buy individual coverage through NY State of Health, online or by phone at 1-855-355-5777. Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, and enrolling by December 15 starts coverage January 1, according to NY State of Health.
To see how insurance fits a full budget, add your premium to the NYC salary calculator and compare with how much you need to make in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is health insurance per month in NYC?
On New York’s marketplace, the benchmark silver plan averaged $817 a month for a 40-year-old in 2026, the lowest-cost bronze plan $610 and the lowest-cost gold plan $1,057, before premium tax credits (KFF). Many buyers pay less after tax credits, and the Essential Plan has no monthly premium for most enrollees with income below 200% of the poverty level.
How much will NY health insurance rates go up in 2027?
The NYS Department of Financial Services approved an average increase of 6.0% for 2027 individual plans, after insurers asked for 20.6%, and 8.0% for small group plans, after requests of 23.7%. DFS announced the decisions on September 4, 2026, and said the reductions save about $1.6 billion.
What is the income limit for the Essential Plan in 2026?
Since July 1, 2026, the Essential Plan covers adults with income below 200% of the federal poverty level, according to the NYS Department of Health. Using the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines, that is $31,920 for a single adult and $66,000 for a household of four (NewYorkCostOfLiving.com calculation). The limit had been 250% before the change.
When is open enrollment for health insurance in New York?
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage on NY State of Health runs from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, according to NY State of Health. The Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus accept enrollment all year. Call 1-855-355-5777 for help.
Why did people lose the Essential Plan in 2026?
The federal law H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) led New York to limit the Essential Plan to adults with income below 200% of the poverty level starting July 1, 2026. About 450,000 people between 200% and 250% moved to Qualified Health Plans, while about 1.3 million kept Essential Plan coverage (NYS Department of Health).
Related: How much it costs to live in NYC · NYC salary calculator · NYC childcare cost · NYC income tax · NYC grocery prices · NYC cost index
Sources
- KFF, Average Marketplace Premiums by Metal Tier, 40-year-old (state indicator) (2025–2026)
- NYS Department of Financial Services, DFS announces 2027 health insurance rate decisions for the individual and small group markets (Sept 4, 2026)
- NYS Department of Health, Federal approval to preserve health coverage (Essential Plan changes effective July 1, 2026) (Mar 23, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (ASPE), 2026 Poverty Guidelines (2026)
- NY State of Health, The official health plan marketplace (open enrollment Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027) (accessed Nov 8, 2026)
- NYC Rent Guidelines Board, 2026 Income and Affordability Study (2024 American Community Survey data) (Apr 16, 2026)