No cost or low-cost healthcare access
NYC Care | NYC Health and Hospitals (H+H)
1. 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 will receive 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.
Choose your own doctor who can:
help you avoid getting sick
treat you when you are ill
connect you with other services you need to stay healthy.
You can also:
receive preventive care like vaccinations, routine screenings, tests like the COVID-19 test, and mammograms to stay healthy.
get mental health support and substance abuse services.
get 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply by phone
Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) to enroll in NYC Care or learn more.
Apply in person
Meet with an NYC Health + Hospitals Financial Counselor at an NYC Care location.
Meet with or call a MetroPlus representative.
Visit a community-based partner in one of the five boroughs.
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.