Compare affordable health insurance in New York through the NY State of Health marketplace. 2026 plans, top carriers, and a New York-licensed agent — free.
We are not a New York state agency, not HealthCare.gov, and not affiliated with any government marketplace. Health Enrollment Center is operated by Sprinter Insurance Agency LLC.
New York works differently from most states, in ways that favor the consumer. It runs its own marketplace — NY State of Health — and it's one of the few states that offers the Essential Plan, a comprehensive, very low or $0-premium plan for residents who earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage. Many New Yorkers who'd pay real money elsewhere qualify for near-free coverage here.
New York is also a community-rated state, meaning insurers can't charge you more just for being older — a 60-year-old and a 30-year-old pay the same base premium for the same plan. That makes New York unusually friendly to early retirees and older self-employed residents, though it also means younger enrollees should lean hard on subsidies and the Essential Plan to keep costs down.
We're licensed in New York and help residents across New York City and the rest of the state compare marketplace plans, the Essential Plan, and private options. Below is how coverage works here and the areas and situations we help with most.
New York runs its own state-based marketplace, NY State of Health, and also offers the low-cost Essential Plan.
New York expanded Medicaid and additionally offers the Essential Plan — a very low or $0-premium option for lower-income residents who earn too much for Medicaid. Between the two, many New Yorkers qualify for comprehensive coverage at little to no cost.
These companies offer individual and family health plans in New York. We're an independent agency, not an insurance company, and we don't offer every plan available here. Tell us which doctors and hospitals matter to you and we'll show you what we can quote.
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans that cover all ten essential health benefits — with premium tax credits for about 4 in 5 enrollees.
Explore →Just got a COBRA letter? Losing job-based coverage opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period — and because COBRA carries no employer contribution and no premium tax credit, the alternative is often much cheaper.
Explore →Freelancers, contractors, gig workers and small-business owners — coverage that isn't tied to an employer, and may be tax-deductible.
Explore →Plans that scale with your household — pediatric dental and vision included, with networks that keep your kids' doctors in-network.
Explore →Retired before 65? Bridge the gap to 65 without paying retiree-plan or COBRA prices.
Explore →Don't see yours? Call a licensed agent — most answers take under two minutes.
The Essential Plan is a comprehensive health plan offered through NY State of Health for residents whose income is above Medicaid limits but still modest. For many enrollees it has a $0 monthly premium, no deductible, and low copays. It's one of the biggest reasons New Yorkers often pay far less than residents of other states — we'll check whether you qualify.
No. New York is a community-rated state, so insurers charge the same base premium regardless of age for a given plan. This is unusual — in most states a 60-year-old pays roughly three times what a 21-year-old pays. It makes New York especially attractive for older residents and early retirees.
NY State of Health Open Enrollment has generally run from November 1 through January 31 for Qualified Health Plans — a longer window than the federal marketplace. Confirm the current dates at nystateofhealth.ny.gov before you rely on them. Medicaid, the Essential Plan and Child Health Plus are open year-round, and a qualifying life event opens a Special Enrollment Period for marketplace plans.
No. We're a licensed insurance agency paid by the carriers, not by you. The premium of any plan is identical whether you enroll through us or directly with the insurer — you just also get an agent who handles renewals and claims questions.
No. Health Enrollment Center is a brand operated by Sprinter Insurance Agency LLC, a private licensed insurance agency. We are not HealthCare.gov, not a state exchange, and not affiliated with any government agency. We help you enroll in marketplace plans when they're the best fit, and we also show private plans the marketplace doesn't carry.
Start with your ZIP. Two quick questions, then a licensed agent brings you the plans you actually qualify for — no cost, no obligation.