On July 4, 2025, the passage of H.R.1 introduced major federal cuts that will reduce or eliminate health coverage and food assistance for millions, starting January 1, 2026 and continuing through FY 2028.
An estimated 1 million New York City residents are expected to lose Medicaid coverage due to stricter income thresholds, new work requirements, and fewer exemptions. These cuts will also impact the Essential Plan and CHIP, with 224,000 New Yorkers—primarily in NYC—projected to lose Essential Plan coverage. Additionally, 300,000 households statewide will see significant reductions in SNAP benefits, averaging $220 less per month.
New York faces a projected $750 million budget shortfall in FY 2026, followed by a $3 billion deficit in FY 2027. No federal funding has been allocated to support the public health workforce needed to implement these changes, posing a serious threat to health coverage and public awareness, as many New Yorkers may lose insurance without knowing how to stay enrolled or where to turn for help
On August 18, recognizing the urgent threat these federal cuts pose to millions of New Yorkers, Public Health Solutions stood alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, Rep. Ritchie Torres, and other healthcare leaders at Lincoln Hospital to call on Congress to take immediate action to protect essential health and nutrition programs.
