Health Care Resource Guide

Finding affordable health care and health insurance in New York City can be difficult for families, seniors, working adults, immigrants, and residents facing financial hardship. Fortunately, there are programs and resources available to help New Yorkers access medical care, health insurance coverage, prescription assistance, mental health support, and low-cost community health services.

Affordability.NYC connects residents to information about affordable health care programs, public insurance options, hospital assistance programs, and community health resources available throughout the five boroughs. This guide provides an overview of major health care assistance programs in NYC, with links to additional information and detailed program guides available on Affordability.NYC.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families in New York. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription medications, mental health treatment, preventive care, maternity care, and more.

Many New Yorkers may qualify for Medicaid, including working adults, seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities. Applications are accepted year-round, and eligibility is based primarily on household income and family size.

Learn more about Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and how to apply through our Medicaid Resource Guide.

Child Health Plus

Child Health Plus offers free or low-cost health insurance coverage for children under 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid and do not have private insurance coverage. The program helps families access pediatric care, hospital services, dental care, vision care, prescriptions, and mental health treatment.

Many children qualify regardless of immigration status, making the program an important resource for families across New York City.

Learn more through our Child Health Plus Guide.

Essential Plan (Health Insurance)

The Essential Plan is a low-cost health insurance option for eligible New Yorkers who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford traditional private insurance. Many residents qualify for plans with low monthly costs, reduced copays, and comprehensive coverage.

The program covers preventive care, doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and other essential health services.

Learn more through our Essential Plan Resource Guide.

Medicare Assistance Programs

Medicare provides health insurance coverage for eligible adults age 65 and older, along with certain individuals living with disabilities. In addition to standard Medicare coverage, New York offers assistance programs that can help lower-income seniors pay premiums, prescription drug costs, and out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Programs such as the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help can significantly reduce healthcare costs for eligible seniors.

Learn more through our Medicare Assistance Guide.

NYC Care

NYC Care is a healthcare access program for New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford traditional health insurance. The program provides low-cost or no-cost healthcare services through NYC Health + Hospitals facilities regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

Services may include:

  • Primary care
  • Specialty care
  • Mental health services
  • Women’s health services
  • Prescription assistance
  • Preventive screenings

NYC Care is designed to help uninsured New Yorkers access consistent healthcare services throughout the city.

Learn more through our NYC Care Resource Guide.

Community Health Centers

New York City has community health centers and nonprofit clinics that provide affordable medical care for residents with or without insurance. Many clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income and provide services regardless of immigration status.

Community health centers may offer:

  • Primary care
  • Pediatric care
  • Women’s health services
  • Mental health counseling
  • Dental care
  • Prescription assistance

These centers play an important role in providing affordable healthcare access throughout NYC neighborhoods.

Learn more through our Community Health Centers Guide.

NYC Well (Mental Health Assistance)

NYC Well is a free and confidential mental health support service available 24 hours a day by phone, text, or online chat. Counselors can connect residents to crisis counseling, mental health treatment, and substance use support services.

The service is available in multiple languages and can help residents find local mental health providers and community resources.

Learn more through our NYC Well Mental Health Guide.

Prescription Assistance Programs

Prescription medications can be expensive, but New York offers programs that help residents lower medication costs or access affordable prescriptions.

Programs may help eligible residents:

  • Reduce prescription drug costs
  • Access medications without insurance
  • Find low-cost generic medications
  • Receive senior prescription assistance

EPIC Program

The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program helps eligible seniors pay for prescription medications and reduce out-of-pocket pharmacy costs.

Learn more through our Prescription Assistance and EPIC Guide.

Hospital Financial Assistance

Many hospitals in New York are required to provide financial assistance programs for eligible patients who cannot afford medical bills. Depending on income and financial circumstances, residents may qualify for reduced-cost care, payment plans, or charity care assistance.

Hospital financial assistance programs may help residents facing:

  • Emergency room bills
  • Surgical costs
  • Hospital stays
  • Medical debt
  • Uninsured treatment expenses

Learn more through our Hospital Financial Assistance Guide.

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, health referrals, and food benefits for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.

The program supports healthy nutrition and healthcare access for families throughout New York City.

Learn more through our WIC Resource Guide.

HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA)

HASA helps eligible New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS access services including housing support, nutritional assistance, medical coordination, and financial benefits.

The program connects residents to supportive services that help improve health outcomes and long-term stability.

Learn more through our HASA Resource Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can undocumented immigrants get healthcare in NYC?

Yes. Some programs, including NYC Care and Emergency Medicaid services, may provide healthcare access regardless of immigration status.

Where can I apply for health insurance in NYC?

Residents may qualify for programs including Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or Medicare-related assistance depending on income, age, and household circumstances.

Is there free healthcare available in NYC?

Some programs provide free or low-cost healthcare services for eligible residents, including Medicaid, NYC Care, and community health centers.

What if I lost my job and health insurance?

Depending on income and household size, residents may qualify for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or other affordable health insurance programs available in New York State.

Related Resource Guides

Disclaimer

Program rules, eligibility requirements, and application availability may change. Readers should verify the latest information directly through official NYC government agencies, hospitals, healthcare providers, and program administrators.