On January 27, 2026, New Tang Dynasty Epoch Media Group, in collaboration with the NY State of Health, held a health insurance consultation event at the Cypress Hills Senior Center in Brooklyn. Despite the extremely cold weather, the event attracted many Chinese residents seeking professional information on healthcare and insurance in Chinese. New York State Senator John Liu of the 17th district and Assemblyman Ron Kim attended the event, presenting awards and acknowledging the contribution of the event in increasing community health awareness.
The event featured multiple professionals sharing insights on the latest policies and practical experiences. NY State of Health representative Minmin Chen introduced the major change in insurance plans for 2026, emphasizing the enhancement of dental coverage. Starting from 2026, standalone dental plans will offer a “basic and standardized dental plan” with the elimination of waiting periods for most services (excluding orthodontic treatments).
Chen stated that the decision to eliminate the waiting period was based on feedback from members who expressed the need to access dental services without delays. This new regulation primarily applies to enrollees of Qualified Health Plans, as Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan already include dental benefits, rendering standalone dental insurance unnecessary.
For individuals who missed the open enrollment period ending on January 31st, Minmin Chen mentioned that those experiencing qualifying life events can still apply for a special enrollment period within 60 days. Events like marriage, pregnancy, divorce, moving to New York State, or relocating within the state all qualify for a special enrollment period. She emphasized that Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus have year-round application availability.
Regarding selecting the right plan, Chen advised individuals to utilize customer service and online resources available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. By entering their zip code in the “Find Local Help” feature, individuals can locate registered enrollment assistants for personalized assistance. Chen highlighted the importance of updating information in the system based on changes in income and residency to ensure eligibility for the most suitable plan and subsidies.
Vice President of First Health, Yeqi Wu, stressed the importance of preventive care and practical medicine, urging people to shift their mindset towards insurance. She noted that many new immigrants tend to only seek medical attention when sick, but in the U.S., prevention should take precedence. “An annual check-up is essential and comprehensive,” she emphasized. Wu underscored that the core of health insurance is preventive care rather than solely treating illnesses, stating that medical insurance aims to maintain good health.
During the health seminar segment, Dr. Zhanhao Pan from Pak Kung Yan Tak Internal Medicine shared dietary management recommendations for individuals with “three highs”. Responding to inquiries about the presence of trans fats in home-cooked fried foods and the reuse of oil in restaurants, he explained that oil produces trans fats with each use, and the higher the usage frequency, the higher the trans fat content.
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Yanying Huang elaborated on boosting immunity during winter from a TCM perspective. According to TCM principles, a healthy spleen and stomach are fundamental to the body’s energy and blood circulation, contributing to enhanced immunity. She recommended a diet focused on nourishing warmth during winter and avoiding cold foods to support the spleen and promote strong body constitution.
In addition to the seminars, the event featured multiple consultation booths providing one-on-one guidance and multilingual services, along with lucky draws and interactive Q&A sessions, creating an engaging atmosphere. An attendee named Ada expressed appreciation for the event’s assistance in clarifying how to apply for benefits, especially for elderly individuals, noting the community’s strong support despite the harsh weather.
State Senator John Liu and Assemblyman Ron Kim were present at the event to present awards. Senator Liu highlighted the significance of the event in unfamiliar healthcare and insurance systems among immigrant families in the community. He emphasized the importance of organizations like New Tang Dynasty and Epoch Media Group in raising community awareness, ensuring that assistance is available.
Assemblyman Ron Kim, informed by recent data from the New York State Department of Health showing a significant increase in tuberculosis cases, especially among the Chinese immigrant population in the Sunset Park community, stressed the importance of timely treatment following medical advice and adherence to isolation protocols. He assured ongoing support from his office for the community and expressed gratitude for the support from New Tang Dynasty and Epoch Media Group for the health event.