New York’s Section 1332 Innovation Waiver Explainer

Updated October 2, 2024

In March 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved New York’s Section 1332 Innovation Waiver request to expand the state’s existing Basic Health Plan, known as the Essential Plan, to people with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The five-year waiver is expected to cover approximately 100,000 people and will save New Yorkers, on average, $4,700 per year compared to what they would have otherwise spent on a qualified health plan on NY State of Health, New York’s health insurance marketplace. 

The resource below summarizes what’s included in the approved waiver and how it increases eligible New Yorkers’ access to affordable, comprehensive coverage.