Residents Alerted to Essential Plan Health Insurance Changes, Scam Risks

Affected Schuyler County residents are urged to review their health coverage options and watch for scams as approximately 450,000 New Yorkers, including many in the Finger Lakes region, face the loss of low-cost Essential Plan insurance starting July 1.

The changes, driven by changes in federal law, will end Essential Plan eligibility for households with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level. This affects single individuals earning roughly $31,920 to $39,900 annually, along with higher thresholds for larger households.

New York officials issued guidance Monday outlining the shifts and available resources.

Affected residents qualify for a special enrollment period through the New York State of Health marketplace and have until Sept. 1 to select new coverage. State and local officials emphasize acting promptly to avoid gaps in protection.

Marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act typically carry higher premiums and costs than the Essential Plan, which featured $0 premiums, no deductibles and low copays. Costs could rise further as some federal subsidies expire.

Guidance details four main plan types available:

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Lower out-of-pocket costs but require referrals and limit non-emergency out-of-network care. • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): Broader provider networks and often no referrals, but higher costs.
• Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs): Limited networks with lower costs and no referrals, covering only emergencies out-of-network.
• Point of Service (POS) plans: Combine elements but usually require a primary care provider and referrals.

Consumers should verify that current doctors and prescriptions are covered, compare total costs including deductibles and premiums, and review star ratings (for quality) and metal levels (Bronze through Platinum, indicating cost-sharing).

For those unable to afford marketplace plans, options include hospital financial assistance programs, prescription assistance, discount cards and other resources.

Scam Warnings:

• Officials are stressing vigilance against fraud. Red flags include pressure to enroll immediately, requests for payment to "renew" coverage, promises of overly generous benefits, or demands for personal information without verified authorization.
• Only use New York State of Health-certified navigators, enrollment assistors, facilitated enrollers or local government representatives. Free help is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling 1-855-355-5777. Government agencies do not charge fees to enroll or renew coverage.
• Residents suspecting scams can contact the Attorney General’s office or local law enforcement agencies.

Affected Schuyler County residents should visit the state marketplace promptly or reach out to local resources for personalized assistance during this transition.

Ovid's Historic "Three Bears" rededicated

WHAM-TV:

The Ovid community is celebrating a major milestone in a historic beautification project.

Originally built in 1845 and 1860, the Friends of the Three Bears building now serves as a community center for the community.

Since 2003, the village has been working to restore historic buildings.

They celebrated the installation of the historic marker on Sunday (May 31), honoring their efforts.

More on the Friends of the Three Bears here.

Schuyler County Urges Wear Purple for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Schuyler County officials are urging residents and county employees to wear purple Monday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and spotlight a problem that often remains hidden.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging and Adult Protective Services invited the community to participate in the June 15, 2026, observance by “Going Purple for a Purpose.” The color symbolizes support for older adults and a commitment to preventing elder abuse.
In addition, the Schuyler County Legislature issued a resolution recognizing the day locally.

"It is our collective responsibility to provide for safe and secure communities and living environments for our seniors. and to encourage reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect and financial exploitation," the legislature stated.
Elder abuse affects millions of older adults annually and can include physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as neglect and exploitation. Many cases go unreported because victims may feel ashamed, fear retaliation or depend on their abuser.
Federal partners, including the Social Security Administration and Justice Department, are also marking the day with warnings about rising financial scams targeting seniors, such as government imposter fraud.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually on June 15. The United Nations-recognized event aims to increase understanding of the cultural, social and economic factors involved in mistreatment of older persons.
Schuyler County’s call to action aligns with similar efforts across New York and the nation. County departments were specifically encouraged to participate to help raise awareness countywide.
Resources for reporting suspected abuse or seeking help are available through local Adult Protective Services and the Eldercare Locator. Officials emphasize that awareness is a key first step in protection.

Second Amendment Legal Update, June 2026

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County to help seniors recognize and avoid scams

Schuyler County officials will host a community presentation next month aimed at helping older adults identify and avoid common scams targeting seniors, county officials announced.

The program, titled “Scams 101,” is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Office for the Aging's Silver Spoon Cafe in Montour Falls, according to an event flyer distributed by the county. The presentation will cover romance scams, government impersonator schemes, tech support scams, grandparent scams, identity theft, fake sweepstakes and check scams.

The educational session will be presented by the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan of Greater Rochester, a regional organization that provides elder abuse prevention, education and intervention services across upstate New York.

Organizers are encouraging residents to register in advance by calling the Schuyler County Office for the Aging at (607) 535-7108.

The event comes as state and local agencies continue to warn older adults about rising financial exploitation and fraud schemes. The New York State Office for the Aging estimates that hundreds of thousands of older New Yorkers are affected annually by some form of elder abuse, including financial exploitation.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging serves county residents age 60 and older, as well as caregivers and individuals with disabilities through its NY Connects partnership. The office provides information and referrals, nutrition services, benefits assistance and other supports intended to help residents remain independent in their homes and communities.

The Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan works with professionals, caregivers and community organizations throughout 10 counties in the Finger Lakes region and broader upstate New York to address elder abuse and mistreatment. The organization provides educational presentations, intervention services and professional training focused on protecting older adults from abuse, neglect and scams.

State aging officials say scam prevention programs have become increasingly important as fraudsters use technology, artificial intelligence and social engineering tactics to target older adults. The New York State Office for the Aging recommends that seniors avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers, verify requests for money independently and report suspected fraud to local authorities or adult protective services.

Additional information about programs and services offered by the Schuyler County Office for the Aging is available through the county’s official website, Schuyler County Office for the Aging. Information about elder abuse prevention and Lifespan services is available through Lifespan of Greater Rochester.