MOIA Joined NYC Health + Hospitals & The Mayor's Public Engagement Unit for an Immigrant Media Roundtable to Announce NYC Care Reaching 125,000 Members

For Immediate Release: February 7, 2024 
Contact: Shaina Coronel, scoronel@cityhall.nyc.gov, 646-385-0334 

Immigrant media roundtables highlight the role of partnerships with government agencies to build trust and introduce more immigrant New Yorkers to the vital city services and programs  

(NEW YORK, NY – February 7, 2024) – Today, MOIA hosted an immigrant media roundtable with NYC Health + Hospitals and The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit to highlight NYC Cares’ 125,000 enrollment milestone. Commissioner Manuel Castro was joined by NYC Care Executive Director Jonathan Jiménez, MD, MPH, NYC Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) Executive Director Adrienne Lever, and Program Director at Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families Hager Shawka. The speakers highlighted the importance of protecting New York City’s sanctuary policies and the significance that has on ensuring all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status have access to affordable and reliable healthcare. Speakers also encouraged eligible New Yorkers to enroll in the new health insurance option for undocumented immigrants aged 65 and older through New York Medicaid Managed Plans.  

“We are proud to celebrate the impressive milestone of NYC Care, enrolling 125,000 New Yorkers and breaking down barriers to health care access regardless of immigration status. This new update to health care insurance ensures affordable and dependable healthcare is available for our elderly immigrant community,” said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “We’re proud to continue our monthly roundtables to ensure immigrant media continue to receive the latest updates on city services and resources. " 

“Health care is a human right. That extends to our newest New Yorkers. Reaching the milestone of 125,000 enrollees in NYC Care is more than just reaching a new goal; it is symbolic of all those individuals and families that now have access to reliable, consistent care. Thank you to the NYC Health + Hospitals team that makes this work possible and thank you to all those at today’s ethnic and community media roundtable for helping spread the word,” said Anne Williams-Isom, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. 

“Reaching the milestone of 125,000 members enrolled- well past our goal of 100,000 members- shows the transformative impact that NYC Care continues to have on the lives of New Yorkers since it was launched in 2019,” said Jonathan Jiménez, MD, MPH, Executive Director of NYC Care from NYC Health + Hospitals. “Thanks to the NYC Care team and our partners in the community and in government, New Yorkers know they can go to NYC Health + Hospitals to get the care they need—before they get sick and without the worry of a costly medical bill or prescription. We will continue to encourage all New Yorkers to enroll in NYC Care and seek the care that they deserve, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.” 

“From primary and specialized care to affordable prescription drugs, NYC Care has successfully provided essential services to 125,000 New Yorkers who otherwise would not have access to traditional health insurance coverage,” said Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Public Engagement Unit (PEU). “PEU is proud to partner with NYC Care, and through our team’s proactive community outreach, help to close the gap in health care access.” 

“As a community partner, it is empowering to know we do not have to turn anyone away who is looking for health coverage and care,” said Hager Shawkat, MPH, Program Director at Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families. “We are fortunate to live in a city that has made that human right an accessible reality for all New Yorkers through NYC Care. We continue to spread the word about this valuable service and work to enroll those still in need of coverage and care.” 

This year, NYC Care will support efforts to inform New Yorkers of the new health insurance option for undocumented immigrants over 65. The new insurance is through Medicaid Managed Care plans, with a carved-out Fee-for-Service pharmacy benefit. Health coverage is a fundamental necessity for all New York residents and should not be hindered by any residency status. The new insurance adds preventive and primary care benefits, including routine doctor visits, recommended screenings, lab tests, wellness services, prescription drugs and supplies, and more for all eligible New Yorkers regardless of immigration status. Efforts like this continue to build a city that is inclusive to all immigrants.