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Health

Free health insurance for low income residents

Medicaid | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)

1. How it Works

Medicaid provides free health insurance for low-income adults and children. It may also provide up to 90 days of retroactive coverage for unpaid medical bills if you request this coverage when you apply and were eligible during those 90 days.

  • Medicaid covers
    • doctor and clinic visits, and regular exams
    • immunizations
    • relevant medical supplies and equipment
    • lab tests and x-rays
    • vision and dental
    • nursing home services
    • hospital stays and emergencies
    • prescriptions
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status required. However, undocumented immigrants are eligible if they’re 65 or older.

 

2. Determine your eligibility

You’re eligible for Medicaid if:

3. What you need to include

You’ll need documents that show

  • proof of identity
  • U.S. citizenship and/or immigration status
  • date of birth
  • income

Next section:

4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

Apply online

For adults under 65, pregnant women, and children, enroll online at NY State of Health.

If you’re in one of the groups below, apply on ACCESS HRA:

  • adults 65 or older
  • receiving Medicare and are not a parent/caretaker relative of minor children,
  • living with a disability and/or blindness
  • a young adult under age 26 who was under foster care in the past

Apply by mail

Apply by phone

Apply in person

Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

More ways to get help with this program

Get help enrolling

GetCoveredNYC helps New Yorkers enroll in health insurance. Dedicated specialists can assist you in your language for free.

Last Updated April 22, 2024

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