Buffalo, New York: health insurance
Buffalo is in Erie County. Here is what Buffalo residents should know about coverage.
Medicaid is a government program that gives free or low-cost health coverage to people with limited income, such as some adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Each state runs its own Medicaid program and decides who qualifies. We are an independent insurance agency, and we cannot enroll you in Medicaid or check your Medicaid.
New York Medicaid: New York State Department of Health · 1-800-541-2831 (Medicaid Helpline) · health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid
If your income is too high for Medicaid, or you want to compare health plans, call us. We can help with that.
Coverage in Buffalo
Buffalo has about 274,678 residents (U.S. Census Bureau 2023 estimate).
Plans for Buffalo residents are determined by Erie County, home to about 946,147 people (2023 estimate). Medicare Advantage plans and marketplace plans are offered by area, so use your ZIP code when you compare, and make sure a plan covers Erie County before you choose it.
- Turning 65 in Buffalo? Your Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your birthday. HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) offers free counseling at 1-800-701-0501.
- Buying your own plan? Shop through NY State of Health.
- Medicaid questions? New York State Department of Health handles applications.
New York note: New York's insurance regulator, the Department of Financial Services, oversees both insurance companies and banks under one agency -- a broader mandate than most states' insurance-only regulators, which is why DFS's consumer complaint process covers insurance alongside other financial products.
Medicare plans leaving Erie County for 2027
Medicare plans are set by county, so this applies to residents of this city. 22 plans are listed in Erie County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 24,187 people.
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Univera SeniorChoice Extra (HMO) H3351-020 | Lifetime Healthcare | 9,191 |
| Senior Blue 651 (HMO) H3384-019 | Highmark Health | 3,133 |
| Wellcare Fidelis Dual Liberty Sync (HMO D-SNP) H5599-013 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 1,890 |
| Independent Health's Encompass 65 RED 043 (HMO) H3362-043 | Independent Health Association | 1,798 |
| HumanaChoice SNP-DE H5970-020 (PPO D-SNP) H5970-020 | Humana | 1,651 |
| Forever Blue Value (PPO) H5526-016 | Highmark Health | 1,203 |
See all 22 plans leaving Erie County →
Looking for your own plan? Find your company and plan →
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Colleges and universities near Buffalo
New York public institutions include State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), University at Buffalo. Students and employees at these schools should check their school’s student health or benefits office, because campus plans and employer plans work differently from individual coverage. More about New York colleges.
Do Buffalo and Erie County have the same plans?
Plans are offered by service area, and Buffalo falls under Erie County. A plan that serves Erie County is generally the one that applies to you.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. A call is a conversation about your options.
Buffalo residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095 Open 8 AM-10 PM Eastern timeOther major New York cities
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Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.