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

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  2. Determine your eligibility

  You’re eligible for Medicaid if:

  • you live in New York
  • you’re a U.S. citizen or meet immigration status requirements
    • Undocumented immigrants regardless of age are eligible for Medicaid, only for the treatment of emergency medical conditions
    • If you’re pregnant or undocumented and 65 or older, you may be eligible for Medicaid
    • children under 1 year old
    • 1- 18 years of age
    • 19 and 20 year olds living with their parents
    • pregnant women
    • adults under 65, caretakers, and parents
    • adults 65 and older, people with a disability or visual impairment
    • If your income is too high for Medicaid, you could still qualify through the Medicaid Excess Income Program.

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    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
    • resources, if you’re 65 and older or if you have a disability

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    4. How to apply

    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

    If you’re in one of the groups below, complete the paper application and the Supplement A form.

    • 65 years old or older
    • certified blind
    • certified disabled
    • institutionalized and applying for coverage of nursing home care

    Mail your application to: MAP Initial Eligibility Unit, PO Box 24390, Brooklyn, NY 11202

    For adults under 65, pregnant women, and children:

    • Call 855-355-5777 or TTY: 800-662-1220
    • If you’re in one of the groups below, call 347-396-4705, a Facilitated Enroller, or HRA at 888-692-6116:
      • 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

      If you’re an undocumented immigrant 65 or older, call HRA at 347-396-4705 to enroll.

      Apply in person

      For adults under 65, pregnant women, and children:

      • Enroll in person through a health insurance assistor.

      If you’re in one of the groups below, visit a Facilitated Enroller:

      • 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

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      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 September 6, 2024