ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) - The New York State Department of Health announced it is now taking public comments about the state's plan to go back to a Basic Health Program.

New York State is preparing to make some changes since the federal government will be cutting $7.5 billion dollars in funding to New York State's Essential Plan. The plan currently covers $1.7 million New Yorkers and provides a zero-dollar premium.

Danielle Holahan, executive director of New York State of Health says, "New York's Essential plan sits on top of Medicaid. It covers low and moderate wage workers. So, the income eligibility, we are talking about somebody earning $39,000 a year. They are hardworking New Yorkers, and they are not allowed coverage through their jobs, so we have been serving that population in N

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