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Basic Health Program — NY & MN Only (Essential Plan / MinnesotaCare)

Administered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) · medicaid.gov

Currently available in 2 states only: New York (as 'Essential Plan') and Minnesota (as 'MinnesotaCare'). Provides very low-cost or free health coverage for residents who earn too much for Medicaid (133–200% FPL) but struggle to afford Marketplace premiums. Not available in other states yet.

Eligibility requirements

  • ✓NY or MN resident only
  • ✓Income between 133% and 200% of federal poverty level
  • ✓Does not qualify for Medicaid
  • ✓Legal immigrants who have been in the country fewer than 5 years are often eligible
Insider tip

NY residents: apply through NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) for the Essential Plan — $0 premiums are available for many income levels. MN residents: apply through MNsure (mn.gov/dhs/mncare). If you're in another state, this program is not available to you — check Medicaid or ACA Marketplace subsidies instead.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at medicaid.gov →

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

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