OB/GYNs and Women's Health Providers That Take the Essential Plan in New York

1,088 practice locations across New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley where a published source shows participation in Essential Plan (NY State of Health) (also listed as Essential Plan, Essential Plan 1-4).

1,088 practice locations · 4,133 providers · Checked November 1, 2026

Manhattan · 210 Brooklyn · 176 Queens · 143 The Bronx · 64 Staten Island · 46 Nassau County · 147 Suffolk County · 137 Westchester County · 88 Rockland County · 20 Orange County · 23 Putnam County · 7 Dutchess County · 27

About this information. Insurance information is compiled from each practice's or health system's published list of accepted plans, and from the network data health plans report to the NYS Provider & Health Plan Look-Up, as of November 1, 2026. Networks change. Confirm with the practice and your insurer before booking.

A state program offered through participating plans (e.g. Healthfirst, Fidelis, MetroPlusHealth, EmblemHealth, Anthem HealthPlus, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan). A practice is listed only when its source explicitly names Essential Plan products.

Manhattan 210 practices

See all 210 practices that take the Essential Plan in Manhattan →

Brooklyn 176 practices

See all 176 practices that take the Essential Plan in Brooklyn →

Queens 143 practices

See all 143 practices that take the Essential Plan in Queens →

The Bronx 64 practices

See all 64 practices that take the Essential Plan in the Bronx →

Staten Island 46 practices

See all 46 practices that take the Essential Plan in Staten Island →

Nassau County 147 practices

See all 147 practices that take the Essential Plan in Nassau County →

Suffolk County 137 practices

See all 137 practices that take the Essential Plan in Suffolk County →

Westchester County 88 practices

See all 88 practices that take the Essential Plan in Westchester County →

Rockland County 20 practices

See all 20 practices that take the Essential Plan in Rockland County →

Orange County 23 practices

See all 23 practices that take the Essential Plan in Orange County →

Putnam County 7 practices

Dutchess County 27 practices

See all 27 practices that take the Essential Plan in Dutchess County →

Frequently asked questions

How do I confirm an OB/GYN is in network with the Essential Plan?

Call the office with the exact name of your the Essential Plan plan and your member ID, and ask whether the specific clinician you want to see participates. Then check the insurer's online provider directory or call the member services number on your card. The NYS Provider & Health Plan Look-Up also shows networks that health plans report to the state. One insurer can sell many plan products with different networks, so the company name alone is not enough.

Do I need a referral to see an OB/GYN with the Essential Plan?

Usually not for routine women's health care. New York law bars HMOs and state-regulated insurers from limiting a woman's direct access to an in-network OB/GYN for annual exams, care that follows from them, acute gynecologic conditions and pregnancy care. Other specialists, tests or procedures may still need a referral or prior authorization. Self-funded employer plans follow federal rules, so check your plan documents.

What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO?

In general, an HMO or EPO covers care only from in-network providers, except in emergencies, and an HMO may ask you to choose a primary care provider. A PPO or POS plan usually lets you see out-of-network providers too, but you pay more and may have to file claims yourself. Your ID card or plan documents say which type you have.

How does the Essential Plan network work?

The Essential Plan is a New York State program sold through NY State of Health by participating health plans. Your network is the network of the company you enrolled with, for its Essential Plan product, which can differ from that company's other plans. Confirm with the office using the exact plan name on your card.

What if my OB/GYN does not take the Essential Plan?

Ask your plan whether you have out-of-network benefits and what you would pay. If your plan has no in-network provider with the right training for your needs, ask your plan whether it will approve an out-of-network referral at in-network cost. You can also ask the practice for its self-pay prices, or use this directory to find a nearby practice in your network.

Am I protected from surprise medical bills in New York?

Generally, yes. New York law and the federal No Surprises Act protect patients from many surprise bills, such as care from an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or surgery center when an in-network provider was not available, and most emergency care. In those cases you usually owe only your in-network cost-sharing. The NY Department of Financial Services explains the rules and how to dispute a bill.

Why is a practice I know not listed for this plan?

This directory lists a practice under the Essential Plan only when a published source shows it participates. Many practices accept plans we could not verify. If you are a practice, claim your free listing to add your plans.