Health Insurance: Programs and Enrollment Tips
Health Insurance Programs
Low- and no-cost health insurance programs in NYC are available through the NY State of Health Marketplace. You can get more information about any of the programs below, including free enrollment help, by visiting a NYC Health Department Enrollment Counselor.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program for adults and children with low income. You may be eligible for Medicaid if you:
- Have high medical bills
- Live in New York State
- Meet certain financial requirements
- Are pregnant or up to one year post-pregnancy
- Have a qualifying immigration status
- Are 65 or older, certified blind or disabled
Enrollment in Medicaid is available year-round.
Child Health Plus
Child Health Plus provides insurance for children under 19 years of age who do not qualify for Medicaid and do not have other health insurance coverage. It is available regardless of immigration status. Coverage may be free or low-cost, depending on household size and income.
Enrollment in Child Health Plus is available year-round.
Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is a health insurance program for adults with low income who are not eligible for Medicaid. There is no monthly premium for those why qualify.
Enrollment in the Essential Plan is available year-round.
Qualified Health Plans
Qualified Health Plans are private health insurance plans that are available on the NY State of Health Marketplace for individuals with incomes above the limit for Medicaid or the Essential Plan. You may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for one of these plans, depending on income and household size.
Enrollment for these plans is only available during the annual open enrollment period (beginning November 1) or during a special enrollment period. You may be eligible for a special enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event, which may include a change in your family, income, or health insurance coverage.
Prepare to Enroll
To make signing up for health insurance as easy as possible, gather as much of the below information and documents as you can for everyone in your household who is enrolling.
Even if you do not have all of this information now, you can still start the process.
Household Information
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates
- Current employment and income information, such as pay stubs, tax statements, or W-2 forms
- Insurance cards, if members of your household have health insurance
- Family health history, including any medications you take and the doctors you see
- A list of insurance plans accepted by your regular health care provider, if you have one
Immigration Documents
Items that show your legal immigration status in the United States can include:- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card/I-551)
- Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Naturalization Certificate
- Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 or I-94A)
- ORR Verification of Release Form (ORR UAC/R-1)
- Passport
- US Visa with I-94 Stamp
- I-797 USCIS Notice of Action (acknowledgment of receipt of an application for an immigration benefit)
If you have concerns about how health insurance enrollment might affect your immigration status, call the Immigration Legal Support hotline at 800-354-0365 for free, confidential legal assistance. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can get more information and free enrollment assistance by visiting a NYC Health Department Enrollment Counselor.
Additional Resources
- NY State of Health Marketplace
- To learn more about insurance terms, visit NYC Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access.