$0 healthcare shouldn’t be unbelievable.
But seriously, it costs nothing.
In cooperation with the New York State of Health, backed by UnitedHealthcare, Fidelis Care, Emblem Health, etc.and serviced by Kimber Health, the $0 Essential Plan is a health insurance program that costs absolutely nothing and provides comprehensive health coverage to eligible New York residents. Benefits include full coverage for emergency care, mental healthcare, dental care + vision exams and more!
How is it $0?
Essentially, the Essential Plan was created by the New York State government to provide underserved groups with free health insurance in a country where healthcare costs are prohibitively expensive. This plan has been offered since November 1st, 2015 to subsidize healthcare for its residents who fall within a “coverage gap”. This coverage gap was created through policy failures on the Federal level.
Despite many New Yorkers receiving coverage via an employer or through Medicaid, this only covers the employed and the poverty-stricken. To ensure that all New Yorkers are covered, the Essential Plan covers those who are ineligible for Medicaid and are unable to obtain insurance through an employer — which includes the international student population.
For too many years, KFF polling has reported that the high cost of healthcare is a burden on US families, and that healthcare costs factor into decisions about insurance coverage and care seeking. With these costs being ranked as a top financial worry, many have delayed or gone without medical care.
Thus, the New York State of Health aims to rectify this unfortunate situation with the Essential Plan. Closing the coverage gap would increase health insurance coverage, reduce racial health disparities, and improve healthcare access, health outcomes and financial security.
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Information regarding the Essential Plan and national healthcare expenditures was found from New York State of Health resources and KFF’s national polls.
