Gov. Hochul announces expanded healthcare coverage to more than 800,000 children in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. — Thousands of children in New York State will now have expanded healthcare coverage. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that the state is now able to offer children under the age of six continuous eligibility in Child Health Plus and Medicaid. 

 “By expanding health coverage for 800,000 children across our state, we’re ensuring they have the uninterrupted coverage they need to lead full and healthy lives,” Governor Hochul said. “This waiver allows us to give families options when it comes to their children’s health care, and we will always go the extra mile to create a healthy future for our youngest New Yorkers.”  

There are currently 2.5 million children 18 years old and under that are on Medicaid or Child Health Plus. The governor’s office says there are more than 800,000 children under six years of age that are currently enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plus that will benefit from the continuous coverage. 

 “This is a very important and timely announcement. Children are so vulnerable, and at risk for serious adverse health outcomes, if they do not have access to quality healthcare. The approval of this waiver from CMS represents great work from the department, and demonstrates our strong partnership with the federal government in achieving our common goals of optimal health outcomes for our children and achieving health equity,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

 “Access to high-quality health care is essential to make sure that New York’s children can thrive physically, mentally, and academically, and I’m proud to see our state taking action to increase this access. This waiver will expand health care coverage for our most vulnerable populations, helping to improve long-term health outcomes for the next generation. I applaud CMS for approving this waiver, and I will continue advocating relentlessly at the federal level to make sure that New Yorkers get the care they need,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-D).

Both Medicaid and Child Health Plus are available for enrollment throughout the year, which will low-income families with childrens, seniors, children in foster care, pregnant women and people with disabilities. 

 More information about the MRT 1115 Continuous Eligibility waiver amendment can be found here.