Continuous Health Insurance Coverage for Children Ages 0-6

Beginning January 1, 2025, children under 6 years of age with Medicaid or Child Health Plus (CHP) will maintain insurance coverage through the end of the month in which they turn 6, regardless of any change in household income. Note that this continuous coverage provision only applies to children with monthly CHP premiums of $0, $15, $30, $45 or $60; it does not apply to those paying the full cost of the health insurance coverage.

CHP enrollees will continue to pay that same monthly premium until the child turns 6, even if the household’s income increases, or the child obtains other health insurance coverage (with the exception of Medicaid).  If there is a reduction in income that would result in a lower CHP premium or result in Medicaid eligibility, NY State of Health will make the adjustment accordingly. The child would maintain the lower CHP premium or Medicaid coverage until the end of the month in which the child turns 6 years old.

Children under age 6 with Medicaid who become enrolled in other health insurance coverage may be disenrolled from their Medicaid Managed Care Plan and enrolled in Fee-For-Service Medicaid.

Households will continue to receive annual renewal notices. If the household does not complete and submit the renewal, their coverage will automatically be extended for children under 6.

Reasons for losing CHP or Medicaid coverage prior to the child turning 6 include the child moving outside of NY State or the family requesting that the coverage end.