Essential Plan
Affordable health insurance for adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Low-cost plans that offer doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, and trusted providers.
The Essential Plan Has Got You Covered
Doctor visits
The Essential Plan offers $0 preventive care when you see an in-network provider. Yearly check-ups, screenings, and immunizations are all covered.
Prescription drug (Rx) coverage
The Essential Plan fully covers most prescriptions (including generics). Others have low co-pays. Fill at thousands of local pharmacies.
Mental health
The Essential Plan covers mental health care, including therapy, counseling, and hospital care, so it's easy to get support when you need it.
Dental and vision
The Essential Plan covers routine dental exams and cleanings, eye exams once every 12 months, and annual vision allowance for glasses or contacts.
Provider network
Top hospitals, clinics, and specialists known for their quality of care. All providers meet MVP quality standards, so you feel confident about your care.
24/7 Virtual care
Round the clock care from anywhere with an internet connection. See a doctor, pay your premiums, and manage your plan. Gia® is your guide to your health.
What is the Essential Plan?
The Essential Plan is health insurance for adults in New York State. It’s perfect for people who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage.
The plan includes high-quality health insurance coverage. That means doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, dental and vision coverage, and preventive care.
You can apply at any time of the year. There’s no open enrollment period for the Essential Plan.
Essential Plan Costs and Eligibility
The Essential Plan makes it easy to get the care you deserve at a price you can afford. The plan includes free preventive care and low or no co-pays for other services.
You may qualify if you:
- Live in New York State
- Are 19 to 64 years old
- Are you a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant who doesn’t qualify Medicaid
- Do not qualify for Medicaid or employer coverage
- Meet income guidelines based on your household size
How to Apply for the Essential Plan
MVP makes applying easy. To connect with an MVP representative, call 1-800-TALK-MVP (825-5687) TTY 711, Monday–Friday 8 am–6 pm.
Schedule a call
Complete the form below to schedule a call. An MVP representative will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You may qualify for the Essential Plan if you:
- Live in New York State
- Are 19 to 64 years old
- Are a U.S. Citizen or lawfully present immigrant who doesn’t qualify Medicaid (see below)
- Don’t qualify for Medicaid or employer coverage
- Meet income guidelines based on your household size
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Use this chart to see if your household income qualifies for the Essential Plan.
Household Size Maximum Yearly Household Income 1 Up to $39,900 2 Up to $54,100 3 Up to $68,300 4 Up to $82,500 5 Up to $96,700 (Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines for New York State.)
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When you apply, you’ll share information about your household income.
This can include:
- Wages or salary
- Tips or bonuses
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment benefits
- Retirement income
- Investment income, like interest or capital gains
Your most recent pay stubs or tax forms can help you estimate your income.
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Yes. All Essential Plans include dental and vision coverage. You’ll get routine dental exams and cleanings. You’ll also get one eye exam every 12 months and an allowance for glasses or contacts.
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If you need assistance or have other questions, MVP’s team is here to help. Call 1-800-TALK-MVP (825-5687) or TTY 711.
Help is available in English and Spanish. Translation services are also offered in many other languages, free of charge.
To learn more about applying for health insurance including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
ATTENTION: Language assistance services and other aids, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-844-946-8010 (TTY 711).
ATENCIÓN: Dispone de servicios de asistencia lingüística y otras ayudas, gratis. Llame al 1-844-946-8010 (TTY 711).
请注意：您可以免费获得语言协助服务和其他辅助服务。请致电 1-844-946-8010 (TTY 711).
Health benefit plans are issued or administered by MVP Health Plan, Inc.; MVP Health Insurance Company; MVP Select Care, Inc.; and MVP Health Services Corp., operating subsidiaries of MVP Health Care, Inc. Not all plans available in all states and counties.
©2026 MVP Health Care