Essex County, New York: health insurance
What Essex County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
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.
Essex County at a glance
| State | New York |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 36,775 |
| Population rank in New York | 56 of 62 |
| Land area | 1,794 square miles |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Medicare plans leaving Essex County for 2027
14 Medicare plans from 5 companies are listed in Essex County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 2,602 people enrolled in the plans below today.
- HealthSpring Assurance Rx (PDP) (S5617-013, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
- HealthSpring Extra Rx (PDP) (S5617-353, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO) H5521-520 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 1,106 |
| CDPHP $0 Medicare Rx (HMO) H3388-014 | Lifetime Healthcare | 865 |
| Wellcare Fidelis Dual Liberty Sync (HMO D-SNP) H5599-013 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 224 |
| CDPHP Choice Rx (HMO) H3388-002 | Lifetime Healthcare | 167 |
| Medicare BluePlus (PPO) H3335-018 | Lifetime Healthcare | 105 |
| CDPHP Clear Rx (HMO) H3388-020 | Lifetime Healthcare | 67 |
| MVP Medicare Complete Wellness with Part D (PPO) H9615-022 | MVP Health Care | 53 |
| Aetna Medicare Partial Dual (HMO D-SNP) H3312-089 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 15 |
| CDPHP Core (HMO) H3388-001 | Lifetime Healthcare | 10 or fewer |
| Medicare BlueSalute (PPO) H3335-044 | Lifetime Healthcare | 10 or fewer |
| Wellcare Advantage Enhanced (PFFS) H2816-037 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 10 or fewer |
| Wellcare Advantage Simple (PFFS) H2816-038 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 10 or fewer |
See which companies have plans leaving across New York: New York Medicare plans ending for 2027 →
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.
Is your plan on this list? Call 855-367-1095 and we will look at what is available where you live, with no obligation to enroll.
Why your county matters for coverage
In New York, the health plans you can choose depend on where you live. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered by service area, usually county by county, and marketplace premiums and carriers are set by area as well. Living in Essex County means the options on this page apply to you, and plans in a neighboring county may differ.
- Medicare: HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) gives free, unbiased counseling at 1-800-701-0501. Ask which plans serve Essex County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through NY State of Health; enter your Essex County ZIP code to see what is offered.
- Medicaid: apply through New York State Department of Health.
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.
Questions about Essex County
Are the same Medicare plans offered everywhere in New York?
No. Plans are offered by service area. A plan available in one county may not be offered in Essex County, so check by county.
Where do Essex County residents get free Medicare counseling?
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) (1-800-701-0501) is New York's free SHIP program.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. Calling is a conversation about your options, and you are never required to enroll.
Essex County 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 large counties
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.