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| What public health insurance programs are available in New York? To find out if you are eligible for public health insurance coverage, you can screen yourself for Medicaid, Family Health Plus or Child Health Plus using HealthStat's on-line pre-screening tool. The pre-screening tool is for individuals and families living in New York City and can help you find out if you or your family qualify financially. Additionally, you can request a public health insurance application kit which will include a list of places where you can enroll. | |
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| What are some of the health care services that are covered by the public health insurance programs? New York State's public health insurance programs pay for a variety of health care services including doctor visits, physicals, hospital care, emergency room care, immunizations, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, mental health services, dental care, medical equipment and supplies. | |
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| Can immigrants apply for public health insurance programs? Many immigrants who are naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents or fall under a qualified immigrant category and meet the income and residency requirements are eligible for CHP A, Adult Medicaid and Family Health Plus. New York States offers health coverage to children regardless of immigration status; even undocumented children can receive coverage under the Child Health Plus Program. | |
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| Will I have to reveal my immigration status if I want to apply for health insurance for my children? No. The immigration status of parents is not considered when determining whether a child can obtain benefits for either Medicaid or Child Health Plus – they won’t even ask. You do not have to give a social security number for yourself in order to apply for your child. Furthermore, it is New York State's policy not to report information on the application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). | |
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| Will use of these programs affect my ability to stay in the United States or hurt my ability to obtain a green card/obtain legal permanent residency status? No. Individuals who use these programs are not considered a "public charge." It is USCIS’ policy not to deport individuals or deny a green card to immigrants who are enrolled in public health insurance programs. A person is considered a public charge if he or she is "primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance, or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense." | |
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| Will use of these programs affect my ability to gain U.S. citizenship? No. Legal Permanent Residents cannot be turned down for U.S. citizenship for lawfully receiving public health insurance. | |
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| Will use of these programs prevent me from sponsoring a family member to live in the United States? No. Use of these public health insurance programs does not prevent citizens and legal permanent residents from sponsoring other relatives. However, a sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support which indicates an income level at or above 125 percent of the federal poverty level, to sponsor a relative. | |
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| Will I have to pay the money back if I use these health insurance programs? No. You will not be required to pay back the money used for these programs. If you entered the country after December 19, 1997 and if a sponsor signed an affidavit of support for you, it is possible that the sponsor may have to repay the value of services used. This is known as "sponsor liability", but New York State does not currently impose "sponsor liability" in these programs. | |
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| Where can I Enroll in Public Health Insurance Programs? There are a number of organizations you can contact and places you can go to enroll in public health insurance: Community Medicaid Offices, community-based organizations, health plans, hospital-based enrollers, and some Department of Health Clinics can help you enroll in public health insurance programs. You can also call 311 and ask for the HRA Medicaid Helpline, for more information on enrollment sites in your neighborhood. | |
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 What kind of information is required as part of the application process? Bring a copy of your last four pay stubs, proof of age, address, identity, and immigration status (for adults only) to your appointment with a health insurance enrollment counselor. The health insurance enrollment counselor will assist you with completing the Access New York Health Care application. See Document Check List (in PDF) |
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Will the health insurance enrollment counselor be able to help me if I don’t speak English? Yes. Most enroller agencies have multilingual staff that can communicate in many different languages or provide access to interpreter services. In most cases, they can assist and provide you with health insurance information in your language. |
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If I apply today, how soon can I see a doctor? Medicaid pays for health care services received 90 days or 3 months prior to the day your coverage begins. This means that if you incur medical costs while your application is being processed, the Medicaid program will pay for these costs. All you will need to do is to submit any medical bills that you receive to the Human Resources Administration. It is also very helpful for you to inform your health care providers that you have already applied for Medicaid coverage. For the Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus programs, you can see a doctor as soon as you receive notification from your health plan about the approval of your application. However, in the case of an emergency, you may visit the nearest emergency room for care and let them know that you have applied for public health insurance. |
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I am not eligible for public health insurance, where can I go for low cost care? The Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC), New York City's public hospital system, has hospitals and other health care facilities located throughout the city that offer care on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay. For information on facility locations and phone numbers you can consult their web-site. Community Health Centers also provide comprehensive and cost effective primary care and supportive services that promote access to health care. |
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I have questions about managed care, where can I go to learn more about it? You can contact Community Health Advocates for more detailed information on managed care. You can also visit the Greater New York Hospital Association for information. |
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Are there discount prescription drug programs available? Online prescription drug assistance programs provide an avenue for people seeking free or low-cost medication.
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Are college students eligible for Family Health Plus? College students under age 21 are eligible if they either:
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I am having trouble with my Medicaid and/or Family Health Plus application, card, and/or recertification where can I get assistance? You can call the customer service department of the health plan in which you are enrolled for assistance. You can also call the Human Resources Administration the agency that administers the Medicaid program in New York City. You can call 311 and ask for the HRA INFOLINE for assistance with your Medicaid application. If you are calling from outside of New York State you can call (718) 557-1399. Finally, you can call Maximus, an enrollment broker, if you have questions regarding the status of your family’s enrollment into a health plan. Maximus can be reached at 1-800-505-5678. |
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I am having trouble with my child’s Child Health Plus application and/or card where can I get assistance? You can contact the health plan in which your child is enrolled or Maximus at 1-800-505-5678 to discuss your application or card questions with them. |
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How do I recertify for Child Health Plus and/or Family Health Plus or Medicaid? You must recertify for Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid annually. A renewal application will be sent you in the mail and you are asked to return it promptly to renew your health insurance for another year. If you need assistance with your recertification you can contact the health plan in which you are enrolled, a community-based enroller or the Human Resources Administration at 311. |
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I am a City employee/retiree and have questions about my City of New York Employee/Retiree Health Benefits, where can I find information? For inquiries regarding employee and retiree health benefits you can contact the Office of Labor Relations Employee Benefits Program at 40 Rector Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10006. Employees and retirees can call 311 to reach the Employee and Retiree Benefits units or visit www.nyc.gov/html/olr. The TTY number for the hearing impaired is 212-306-7753. Active City of New York employees should contact their agency health benefits representatives with all health benefits questions. Employees with questions relating to services and claims should call their health plan. | |
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Are domestic partners of employees eligible to be covered as dependents on group medical plans in New York City and State? The New York Insurance Law permits, but does not require, insurers to offer domestic partner coverage. You should check with your employer or insurer to see if they offer domestic partner coverage. | |
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Where can I get health insurance for myself and/or the employees of my small business? A Guide to Health Insurance Options for New York City's Small Businesses, Sole Proprietors, and Working Individuals helps you examine how these options may meet the needs of your business. This Guide also offers tips on how to select a health insurance plan. You can also review the New York State Insurance Department frequently asked questions to answer more detailed health insurance questions you might have. | |
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What makes a person eligible for Medicare? In order to be eligible for Medicare you must fall into one of the categories described below:
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What organizations are available to answer my questions about Medicare? You can contact Community Health Advocates for more detailed information on Medicare. You can also visit the Medicare Rights Center. Additionally, the New York Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) offers free assistance by trained older volunteers to people with questions on health benefits and programs, supplementary health insurance and long term care insurance. You can also telephone the HIICAP Hot Line at 1-800-333-4114 (from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Thursday). In New York City you can call 311 for more information on the HICCAP program and to speak with HIICAP counselors. | |
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