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No cost or low-cost healthcare access

NYC Care | NYC Health and Hospitals (H+H)

How it Works

NYC Care is a health care program that gives you access to your own doctor and services at little or no cost. The program provides services at NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide. It is available to all New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance.

  • You’ll get affordable health care regardless of your immigration status or ability to pay.
  • Pay based on what you can afford. Discounted fees are based on your family size and income and start at $0. There are no membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums.
  • Services include:
    • choosing your own primary care doctor.
    • getting preventive care like vaccinations, routine screenings, tests like the COVID-19 test, and mammograms to stay healthy.
    • access to mental health support and substance abuse services.
    • access to low-cost prescription medications day or night.
  • You can get your first appointment within two weeks or less.
  • Privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed. NYC Care enrollment does not pose a risk under the “public charge” rule.

Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for NYC Care, you must:

  • Live in one of the five boroughs of New York City.
  • Not qualify for any health insurance plan available in New York State.
  • Not be able to afford health insurance based on government guidelines.

Immigration status requirements

You may be eligible regardless of your immigration status.


What you need to include

You will need proof of:

  • Identification
  • New York City residency
  • Household income
  • Household size

Patients who have already been screened for insurance through the NYS of Health Marketplace can bring a printout of the results of the determination and will not need additional documentation.

If you are unable to provide the required documents, a counselor still may be able to help you enroll. Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) for more information.


How to apply

Apply by phone

Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) to enroll or learn more.

Apply in person

Your options to apply are:

NYC Care also offers fast track enrollment for existing patients of the NYC Health + Hospitals Options program who have been screened for health insurance in the last six months.

More information

Visit the NYC Care website for more information.

Email [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours to receive a response.

Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273)


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Last Updated April 8, 2025