The Westchester Brief | 04.13.26: 450K NYers Losing Free Health Insurance July 1

Send us Fan MailStarting July 1st, 450,000 New Yorkers will lose free health insurance coverage through New York's Essential Plan. This includes tens of thousands of Westchester County residents—teachers' aides, home health workers, small business owners earning $32,000–$40,000 individually or $54,000–$68,000 for a family of three.When this coverage ends, these working people will be shifted to marketplace plans with monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs they can't afford. The impact on Westchester's safety net hospitals and community health centers could be severe: lost revenue, staff layoffs, and reduced access to care. State legislators have introduced bills to cover the gap, but no vote is scheduled.**In This Episode:**- The Essential Plan coverage cliff (0:00)- Why 450,000 people are affected (2:15)- Impact on Westchester's healthcare system (5:40)- County budget crisis and other local news (8:20)**Subscribe to the daily newsletter** at iliveherewestchester.com to stay informed about what's happening in Westchester County.**Sources:**- NY State Department of Health Federal Approval Update (March 23, 2026)- Gothamist "Watch the mail" (April 2026)- Healthbeat "What to do if you are losing coverage" (April 7, 2026)- Fiscal Policy Institute Regional Impacts- NY State of Politics (April 9, 2026)Support the showI Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?Email: [email protected]: www.iliveheremedia.comFollow us on Instagram: @iliveheremediaSubscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.