Topics Health
What To Do If You’re Impacted By Changes to the Essential Plan

We’ve compiled information for the 450,000 New Yorkers who will lose health care coverage on July 1.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   June 15, 2026
The Haggle — a New York Focus breakdown of the state budget
The Haggle

In May, state lawmakers passed a $269 billion budget after haggling for months over thousands of line items and policies affecting New Yorkers.

New York Focus   ·   June 9, 2026
A photo collage of Governor Kathy Hochul in front of a yellow-tinted card explaining New York State of Health's Essential Plan.
No Solution to Health Coverage Cliff in Delayed State Budget

Despite last-ditch efforts by a coalition of lawmakers, the state failed to avert a health coverage cliff coming this summer.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   May 28, 2026
Inside The Long Retreat of Workers’ Compensation in New York

160,000 injured New Yorkers seek workers’ compensation each year — but in recent years, regulators have tilted the scales towards employers and insurers.

Maxwell Parrott   ·   April 23, 2026
A lock icon stands in between personal health data and a dollar sign representing profit.
Lawmakers Take Another Crack at Protecting New Yorkers’ Health Data

Amid abortion bans and rising digital surveillance, Albany lawmakers are revisiting an effort to stop companies from selling sensitive health information.

Leah Clark and Gabriella Limón   ·   March 26, 2026
Photo of the bank of the Amawalk Reservoir
A Real Estate Battle Tests the State’s New Superfund Powers

New York environmental regulators have deemed a developer liable for an $18 million Westchester cleanup — but they haven’t yet made the company pay.

David McKay Wilson   ·   February 10, 2026
Three Questions About Medicaid for New York Officials

State officials have so far dodged questions about the future of New York’s largest health plan. A hearing on Tuesday could provide some insight.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   February 9, 2026
Hochul on New York’s Fraying Safety Net: State of the State 2026

The governor’s vision for tackling historic cuts to public benefit programs remains blurry.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   January 14, 2026
Covering the 2026 State of the State

Here’s what our reporters will be watching for during Governor Kathy Hochul’s agenda-setting address that will kick off state budget negotiations.

New York Focus   ·   January 12, 2026
New York Counties Have Received Millions From Opioid Lawsuits, But Many Won’t Say How They’ve Spent It

Drug policy advocates are calling a new reporting mandate a missed opportunity for needed transparency and sustained action.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   January 5, 2026
Following New York Focus Investigation, Home Health Aides Will Get New Insurance

A health insurer offering shoddy coverage to low-wage workers at taxpayer expense will be replaced next year. But will what comes next be any better?

Sam Mellins   ·   December 9, 2025
Health Care Sticker Shock Coming for 450,000 New Yorkers

Federal budget cuts will force hundreds of thousands off New York’s free Essential Plan, with some families facing $10,000 annual premium increases.

Clara Hemphill   ·   December 1, 2025
Cupped hands giving or receiving a kidney, surrounded by an outline of New York state.
Health Department Launches First-in-the-Nation Program to Boost Organ Donations

The rollout follows years of reporting by New York Focus on delays and missed deadlines.

Sam Mellins   ·   October 28, 2025
Lawmakers, Top Judges Push to Expand Mental Health Courts

Statewide diversion courts could keep thousands out of jail, but they’ll need more investments in treatment to succeed.

Eliza Fawcett   ·   October 17, 2025
In Brief: New York’s Essential Plan

Massive changes are coming to the state’s comprehensive, low-cost healthcare plan.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   September 26, 2025
Insurance Said His Treatment Was Covered. Then They Sent a $17,000 Bill.

Thousands of New Yorkers have new health insurance from the company Leading Edge Administrators. One Massachusetts retiree’s battle with the company highlights the risks they face.

Sam Mellins   ·   September 17, 2025
Photo collage of a desk with a notepad and voice recorder in a newsroom.
Home Care Employer Walks Back Testimony, Fueling Concerns of Rigged $11 Billion Contract

A PPL vice president admitted pre-contract talks between the company and New York’s health department, after denying it under oath last month.

Sam Mellins   ·   September 5, 2025
Trump at a press conference
New York Immigrants Weigh Health and Hunger Against Deportation Risk

Trump’s immigration crackdown is having a chilling effect on New Yorkers’ access to public benefits.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   September 3, 2025
An insurance claim has first been stamped "approved," but then stamped "denied."
After Criticism, Home Care Employer Will Look for Better Health Insurance

Workers are currently forced to pay for insurance that many don’t want.

Sam Mellins   ·   August 27, 2025
Senator James Skoufis is shown speaking to a group of reporters in a hallway.
‘Complete Waste of Our Time’: Lawmakers Get Few Answers on Home Care Chaos

The company in charge said they would explore other insurance options.

Sam Mellins   ·   August 22, 2025
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