The New York State Catholic Conference (NYSCC) is urging Catholics to reach out to Congress to oppose changes to the “premium tax credit” eligibility, which it claims will threaten health insurance coverage for 450,000 New Yorkers.  

 “The Catholic Church considers universal access to healthcare a fundamental right and a moral obligation of a just society,” Dennis Poust, executive director of the NYSCC, said in a Sept. 17 statement. “We call on Congress to delay these eligibility changes so that 450,000 New Yorkers do not lose access to health insurance.” 

 The premium tax credit provides financial assistance to those without access to subsidized health coverage, such as through an employer or through Medicaid. Since 2015, in New York, the premium tax credit was available to those with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). However, post-COVID-19 pandemic federal legislation enhanced the credit through 2025, allowing New York to expand eligibility to New Yorkers with incomes up to 250% FPL.  

 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act – signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4 – did not extend the enhanced credit. Therefore, in 2026, New York will be forced to revert to the 200% FPL income threshold. 

RELATED: President Trump Signs ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Into Law July 4

 “Since 2015, New York State has operated its Essential Plan, which provided coverage for adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL),” the NYSCC wrote in the recent action alert to members. “Effective in 2024, the program has expanded to 250% of FPL to reach more New Yorkers due to a Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver the state applied for and received.”  

 “Under the waiver, 450,000 more individuals gained $0 premium coverage,” the alert continues. “In total, the Essential Plan provides coverage for 1.7 million adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid.”  

 Now, without the renewal of enhanced credit, New York State will have to “terminate its groundbreaking Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver and Essential Plan expansion,” the New York State Department of Health explained in a Sept. 10 press release.  

 “As a result of the drastic budget cuts in the newly enacted federal Law, an estimated 450,000 middle-class New Yorkers will lose access to zero-premium comprehensive health insurance despite the State’s efforts,” they added.  

 For reference, according to federal poverty guidelines for 2025, 250% FPL for a household of one is an annual income of $39,125. Conversely, an annual income of 200% FPL for a household of one is $31,300. 

 New York State is expected to transition back to the Basic Health Program –– the plan with 200% FPL premium tax credit eligibility threshold –– by July 1, 2026, according to the NYS Department of Health.  

 Poust thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul for preserving the Basic Health Program.  

 “We’re grateful to Governor Hochul for her proposal to revert to the Basic Health Program which would allow an estimated 1.3 million New Yorkers to retain coverage that might otherwise be lost due to the federal changes,” Poust said in his statement. “This appears to be the best mitigation strategy to preserve health care for as many people as possible.”  

 The NYSCC represents the state’s Catholic prelates on public policy matters.