Health311Search all NYC.gov websites
Print icon Print
A happy and healthy family are smiling together. Text: Keep you and your family healthy. Sign up today for low- to no-cost health insurance.

Other Languages: Español | 繁體中文 | 简体中文

Health Insurance

Federal Rules Are Changing: Your Essential Plan and Medicaid Coverage May Be Affected

Essential Plan

As of July 1, 2026, Essential Plan coverage has ended for more than 200,000 New Yorkers with incomes between 200% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (which is $31,920 to $39,900 per year for an individual, $43,280 to $54,100 per year for a household of two, $54,640 to $68,300 per year for a household of three, or $66,000 to $82,500 per year for a household of four).

The NYC Health Department's enrollment counselors offer free enrollment assistance. Connect with an enrollment counselor today to explore your health insurance and care options. If you cannot afford health insurance coverage through the New York State of Health Marketplace, our enrollment counselors can help you access affordable care without insurance, through the NYC Care program and others.

Press Release: Mayor Mamdani, NYC Health Agencies Intensify Enrollment in Low- and No-Cost Healthcare as Federal Cuts to Essential Plan Coverage Take Effect

Medicaid

Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal work requirements will affect certain people ages 19 to 64 who have Medicaid.

To learn more, visit Medicaid Coverage Changes


Connect to Health Insurance and Care Options

In NYC, access to healthcare is a right. All New Yorkers have healthcare access options they can enroll in, no matter your immigration status or income.

Enrollment Counselors

Speak to an enrollment counselor by calling 347-665-0214, submitting a Health Insurance Inquiry Form or find a counselor for free assistance.

Our counselors will:

  • Explain your health insurance and care options, regardless of your immigration status.
  • Help you and your family enroll in or renew health insurance.
  • Find out if you qualify for financial help to pay for a low-cost private health insurance plan.
  • Assist you with applying for SNAP benefits (food stamps).

Counselor Locations by Borough

You can speak to an enrollment counselor in person in every borough.

Call 347-665-0214 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

Help is available in many languages and regardless of immigration status.

Expand AllCollapse All

Bronx

  • Morrisania Health Center
    • 1309 Fulton Avenue, Third Floor

  • Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center
    • 1826 Arthur Avenue, First Floor

Brooklyn

  • Bedford Health Center
    • 485 Throop Avenue, Second Floor

  • Bushwick Health Center
    • 335 Central Avenue, First Floor

  • Crown Heights Health Center
    • 1218 Prospect Place, Second Floor

  • Fort Greene Health Center
    • 295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Fifth Floor

Manhattan

  • Chelsea Health Center
    • 303 Ninth Avenue, First Floor

  • Central Harlem Health Center
    • 2238 5th Avenue, Second Floor

  • Riverside Health Center
    • 160 West 100th Street, First Floor

  • Washington Heights Health Center
    • 600 West 168th Street, Second Floor

Queens

  • Astoria Health Center
    • 12-26 31st Avenue, Second Floor, Astoria

  • Corona Health Center
    • 34-33 Junction Boulevard, First Floor, Jackson Heights

  • Jamaica Health Center
    • 90-37 Parsons Boulevard, Fourth Floor, Jamaica

Staten Island

  • 135 Canal Street
    • Second Floor
    • (By appointment only)

Other Ways to Find a Counselor

NYC Health Map

Health Insurance Programs and Coverage Options

Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan are available for enrollment year-round.

  • If you are currently enrolled in Child Health Plus or the Essential Plan, you will need to renew your coverage every 12 months. Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19-64 will need to renew their Medicaid every six months instead of once a year.
  • For Qualified Health Plans, you may only enroll during the open enrollment period (beginning November 1) or during a special enrollment period if you recently had a change in your family circumstances, income, or health insurance.

Learn more about your coverage options and how to prepare at Health Insurance: Programs and Enrollment Tips.

Facilitated Enrollment for the Aged, Blind and Disabled

If you are 65 or older, certified blind or certified disabled, you may qualify for Medicaid. You can get free assistance to enroll in or renew your Medicaid, and apply for the Medicare and the Medicare Savings Program, which helps cover Medicare costs. Note, this assistance is separate from the NY State of Health Marketplace services.

To make an appointment, call 347-396-4705.

For help enrolling in health insurance, learn more at Health Insurance: Aged, Blind and Disabled.

Health Insurance Coverage Options for Immigrants

Medicaid for Undocumented New Yorkers Age 65 and Older

Undocumented adults age 65 and older who meet income requirements are eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid offers comprehensive health coverage including routine doctors' visits, prescriptions, mental health services, and hospital stays.

Call 347-396-4705 to speak to an enrollment counselor to see if you qualify.

Health Insurance Options for DACA Recipients

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who meet income requirements are eligible for Medicaid.

Due to changed federal policy, people with DACA are no longer eligible for Qualified Health Plans or the Essential Plan. This applies to these plans offered through the NY State of Health.

Health Insurance for Children in the Early Intervention Program

If you have a child in the New York City Early Intervention Program, your child may qualify for Medicaid and other benefits, even if you already have health coverage.

Healthcare Access

  • NYC Care is a program that guarantees low- and no-cost services for residents who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance.
  • Every New Yorker, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay has the right to quality care. For more information, visit Immigrant Healthcare.

Benefits of Health Insurance

There is nothing more important than your health and the health of your family. Some benefits of health coverage include:

  • Health insurance can allow you to access essential healthcare services and help protect you from unexpected, high medical costs.
  • Insurance helps you stay healthy before you get sick or catch illnesses before they get worse.
  • Insurance plans cover routine preventive services, such as physical exams and vaccines.

Resources from New York State

Additional Resources

More Information