Free and Low Cost Health Insurance
There are a number of New York State government-sponsored free or low cost health insurance programs
that offer health coverage to adults and children who are eligible. Covered benefits include:- Doctor Visits
- Prescription Drugs
- Hospital Stays
- Immunizations
- Dental Services
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) have Facilitated Enrollers who can answer your questions and help you apply for health insurances and other services, such as SNAP- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called Food Stamps.
A Facilitated Enroller will guide you through the enrollment process. You will receive help filling out the health insurance application, getting the necessary documents you need, and selecting a health plan. The Facilitated Enroller can offer assistance on how to apply for or renew your health insurance, on-line, by mail, or in person. Our Facilitated Enrollers speak your language, and also have access to AT&T
Language Line.
Child Health Plus, Medicaid and Family Health Plus: For an enrollment facilitator near you and the documentation needed, please visit Where to Apply for Child Health Plus, Medicaid and Family Health Plus .
Child Health Plus
Child Health Plus is a New York State sponsored health insurance program for children under the age of 19. Your child may be eligible to join either Child Health Plus or Children’s Medicaid depending on your family income. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid can enroll into Child Health Plus. There may be a monthly insurance premium for Child Health Plus based on a family’s income. Enrollees are required to join a managed care health plan and must receive all of their health care services through the health plan; except in limited circumstances. There are no immigration requirements for Child Health Plus.Please note: Some children who had employer based Health Insurance within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can enroll in Child Health Plus. This will depend on your household income and the reason your child lost employer-based coverage.
For more information about Child Health Plus call 1-800-698-4543.
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Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal/state health insurance program for low income individuals, families and children. You may be eligible for Medicaid if you have high medical bills; you meet certain financial requirements; or if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most Medicaid enrollees in New York State must join a managed care health plan. Enrollees will receive all of their health care services through the health plan; except in limited circumstances. There are co-payments for some services.
Family Health Plus (FHP)
Family Health Plus is a New York State sponsored health insurance program for adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who do not have health insurance but have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid. Persons enrolled in Family Health Plus must join a managed care health plan. They will receive all of their health care services through the health plan; except in limited circumstances. There are co-payments for some services.
For more information about Medicaid Managed Care and Family Health Plus
call New York Medicaid CHOICE at 1-800-505-5678.
To see which programs you and your family may qualify for based on your monthly income (before taxes) NYS Income and Resource Standards and Human Resources Administration Federal Poverty Levels (PDF)
Do you have a child in New York City’s Early Intervention Program (EIP)?
Your child may qualify for health insurance and other benefits even if you already have health coverage. For information about health benefits available to children in EIP visit Early Intervention Health Insurance and Benefits.
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