On May 8, 2025, the New York State of Health (NYSOH) quietly published a policy update eliminating all broker and agent commissions for new and renewing enrollments in the Essential Plan, effective January 1, 2026.

This decision threatens to dismantle a vital part of the state’s healthcare infrastructure by cutting out licensed brokers—professionals who help thousands of New Yorkers, especially vulnerable populations, access affordable coverage.

❌ What’s Wrong With This Policy?
NYSOH claims the commission ban will prevent brokers from “steering” clients toward plans that pay higher commissions. But this reasoning is misguided:

Essential Plan benefits are standardized across all carriers. Brokers aren’t steering anyone — we guide clients based on provider networks, language access, prescription coverage, and their real-life needs.
If financial bias is the concern, the logical solution is not to ban compensation, but to mandate uniform commission structures across all public programs and carriers.
This would eliminate the perceived conflict of interest without punishing brokers or removing critical support for consumers.

🧭 Why It Matters
Brokers serve as trusted, licensed guides in a system that is already difficult to navigate — especially for immigrants, low-income families, non-English speakers, and the elderly. For many, brokers are the only human connection in the enrollment process.

Eliminating broker compensation will:

Shrink access to personalized, expert assistance
Hurt small businesses across New York
Leave consumers without support in choosing or keeping their coverage

✅ What We’re Calling For
We urge NYSOH, the NY Department of Health, and state legislators to:

Reverse the commission ban on Essential Plan enrollments
Mandate fair, uniform compensation across all public health programs, including:

Medicaid
CHIP
QHPs
The Essential Plan

This ensures equity for brokers, consistency across carriers, and continued access for consumers who need guidance the most.

✍️ Join the Movement
Sign this petition to protect:

Broker livelihoods
Consumer access

Integrity and equity in New York’s healthcare system
Let’s demand smart policy — not short-sighted solutions.