NYC Public Hospitals Aim to Increase Access to Affordable Health Care During Cover the Uninsured Week Through HHC OPTIONS

Hospitals to host health fairs for uninsured New Yorkers

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) invites all New York City residents who lack health insurance to visit health fairs hosted by HHC hospitals in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens during the week of May 1 - 7 and learn how to access affordable health care for the entire family. 

The hospitals will host events at the facilities as well as at local clinics and churches across the borough to enroll those who qualify to the various government sponsored insurance plans for children and adults.  Through HHC's charity care program, HHC Options, public hospitals will work with families to connect them to any plan they may qualify for.  HHC Options also works with families who have no other resource by offering low fees and manageable payment plans based on family income and size.

"New Yorkers deserve to know that financial worries should not keep them from seeking the healthcare services their families need," said Alan Aviles, HHC President.  "This is one more way that we fulfill our noble mission of providing the highest quality healthcare services to all New Yorkers, regardless of ability to pay."

There are nearly 46 million uninsured Americans, and an estimated 1.7 million New Yorkers - or 1 of every 4 people under 65 - lack health insurance. 
 
HHC Cover the Uninsured Week events will vary, but many will feature important health screenings including blood pressure, diabetes and asthma as well as children's vision and hearing tests.  There will also be face painting, raffles, radio station appearances and other activities at many locations.  For a list of HHC events visit www.nyc.gov/hhc or call 311.

Cover the Uninsured Week, co-chaired by former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, is a national nonpartisan effort to encourage the development of solutions to problems facing the uninsured. 

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is the largest municipal healthcare system in the country.  HHC operates a network of 11 hospitals, six diagnostic and treatment centers, four long-term care facilities, more than 80 community clinics and a home health care agency.  HHC provides care to all regardless of ability to pay.  HHC serves 1.3 million New Yorkers annually, including more than 450,000 who have no health insurance.