Bumping this old thread to see if there are any New Yorkers with experience to share regarding NY's "Basic Health Plan" option (described in the links in the OP), which has now gone live and is known as the "Essential Plan." (There is some limited information about the program available at its official website,
http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/EssentialPlan.)
As I understand it, the health insurance landscape for early retirees in NY is now significantly different than in most other states. My understanding is that if your income is low enough to qualify for the Essential Plan (below 200% of the federal poverty level), then you are
not eligible to obtain subsidized coverage from the ACA marketplace exchange (which otherwise would have been available to you). In other words, if your income is below 200% of the FPL (and you don't qualify for Medicaid), the Essential Plan is your
only option for subsidized coverage in NY.
On paper, the Essential Plan looks great -- no deductibles, and very low (or non-existent, if your income is low enough) premiums and copays. Does anyone here actually have an Essential Plan policy?
In particular, is there any intel on the enrollment logistics? With ACA exchange plans, there has been much discussion in the forum re: problems establishing eligibility for subsidies in the first year after retiring (before you have tax records to demonstrate your newly-lowered income). That problem is mitigated by the fact that you can purchase a policy on the exchange at full cost and then get your premium tax credits applied to your tax liability when you file your taxes the following year. However, if you encounter problems signing up for the Essential Plan (despite your actual eligibility), there may be no similar remedy (because, as described above, your eligibility for the Essential Plan disqualifies you from receiving premium tax credits).