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Health Care Options for NYC Immigrants
Having health insurance is important in order to pay for health care services in the United States. There are public health insurance plans provided by the government and private options accessible through the NY State of Health Marketplace.
All immigrants can access health care in New York City, regardless of their status. There are options and resources available for people who cannot afford or qualify for typical health insurance plans. See the list below for some options that may be available to you. For individualized support in finding care that works for you, contact GetCoveredNYC for free help in your language.
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a free or low-cost public health insurance for low income New Yorkers.
- If you are undocumented, you can get Medicaid for emergency services, as long as you meet other requirements. Learn more about Emergency Medicaid here.
- Undocumented immigrants 65 and older who meet income and other eligibility requirements can enroll in Medicaid.
- If you are pregnant, you can get Medicaid regardless of immigration status, as long as you meet other requirements.
- Child Health Plus: This is New York State's health insurance plan for kids under 19. All children are eligible for Child Health Plus, regardless of family income or immigration status – even undocumented children are eligible. How much you have to pay for this affordable plan also depends on your income.
- NYC Care: If you don't qualify for or can't afford health insurance, you can get NYC Care. NYC Care isn't health insurance, but it's a coverage plan that helps you get affordable medical care at New York City's public hospital system: NYC Health+Hospitals.
- Essential Plan: Free or very low cost insurance for adults with low income who don't qualify for Medicaid. Immigrants with certain visas or deferred action status who meet income requirements may qualify for the Essential Plan.
- Qualified Health Plans: Qualified Health Plans are available on the NY State of Health Marketplace and directly from insurance companies. Most immigrants can purchase private plans on the NY State of Health Marketplace. These are private insurance plans that follow the rules set by the Affordable Care Act, which include things like covering essential health services and meeting certain standards of cost sharing. Financial help is available to make these more affordable.