Posted Sep 23, 2026
Use these resources to help your patients understand their plan options and stay connected to care.
Bookmark this page as your go-to resource—we'll update it regularly with the latest guidance, tools, and patient communications.
The 2025 H.R. 1 federal law introduced additional eligibility and renewal requirements for the Medicaid Expansion population—adults who qualify for Medicaid based on income.
Beginning January 2027, adults ages 19-64 in this population will need to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of once a year.
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults who have Medicaid coverage will need to meet new work and community engagement requirements – working, going to school, helping out in the community, or participating in job training – to maintain their health coverage.
Your patients who have a Medicare Advantage plan with Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) can now get their Medicare and Medicaid coverage through one integrated care plan, the Life Improvement Plan.
Plus, they can make the move any time without having to wait for the next Annual Enrollment Period in October.
Use these letter templates to explain the benefits of having an Integrated Care plan to dual eligible patients.
For patients approaching Medicare eligibility at age 65, missing initial enrollment windows can lead to lifelong financial penalties and delayed healthcare coverage.
Use these letter templates to alert a patient to their options as they approach Medicare eligibility age.
When a healthcare provider becomes out of network with a patient's health insurance plan, patients may be unsure about their options or concerned about disruptions to their care.
Use these letter templates to educate a patient about network disruption.
Essential Plans are federally subsidized plans offered to individuals whose immigration status or income makes them ineligible for Medicaid.
Due to federal funding cuts in H.R.1, there are several important changes providers and members enrolled in EP need to know.
Stay current on the impact of Essential Plan changes at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/impact-essential-plan-changes
Join Healthfirst for our special Provider Town Hall. This session will highlight important changes to Medicaid coverage, such as work requirements and biannual recertifications, that may affect you and your members.
Hear other important updates, learn what the changes may mean for your practice and patients, and get answers to your questions directly from Healthfirst.
Reserve your spot. Log in to the Healthfirst Provider Portal at Essentials.Availity.com, then visit News and Announcements in the Healthfirst Payer Space to register.
