How does NYC Care work?

NYC Care is for New Yorkers who don’t have health insurance and can’t afford private insurance. You get your own doctor and services at NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide. Services Find a primary care doctor who knows you and your health Mental health and substance abuse treatment Low-cost prescription drugs Vaccinations Cancer screenings (mammograms, etc.) COVID-19 tests Other health check-ups to catch problems early Get your first appointment within two weeks. Fees Sliding scale fees starting at $0 No membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums

Am I eligible for NYC Care?

You qualify for NYC Care if you: Live in NYC (any of the five boroughs) Don’t have health insurance from your employer Don’t qualify for any health insurance plan available in New York State Can’t afford health insurance based on government guidelines

How do I Apply to NYC Care?

Call 646-NYC-CARE ( 646-692-2273 ). Visit an NYC Health + Hospitals location Visit a community-based organization Visit a MetroPlusHealth office If you already use the NYC Health + Hospitals Options program and were screened for insurance in the last 6 months, you can enroll faster. Ask about this when you call or visit.

NYC Care – ACCESS NYC

How it works

NYC Care gives you affordable healthcare, regardless of income or immigration status.

NYC Care is for New Yorkers who don’t have health insurance and can’t afford private insurance. You get your own doctor and services at NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide.

Services

Find a primary care doctor who knows you and your health
Mental health and substance abuse treatment
Low-cost prescription drugs
Vaccinations
Cancer screenings (mammograms, etc.)
COVID-19 tests
Other health check-ups to catch problems early

Get your first appointment within two weeks.

Fees

Sliding scale fees starting at $0
No membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums

Eligibility requirements

You qualify for NYC Care if you:

Live in NYC (any of the five boroughs)
Don’t have health insurance from your employer
Don’t qualify for any health insurance plan available in New York State
Can’t afford health insurance based on government guidelines

Immigration status requirements

NYC Care doesn’t ask about immigration status.

Required documents

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

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

Visit an NYC Health + Hospitals location
Visit a community-based organization
Visit a MetroPlusHealth office

If you already use the NYC Health + Hospitals Options program and were screened for insurance in the last 6 months, you can enroll faster. Ask about this when you call or visit.

Get help

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)

Get help at a NYC Health + Hospitals patient care site.

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Last Updated April 27, 2026

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