GetCoveredNYC Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Scroll through the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about health care in NYC and GetCoveredNYC. Contact GetCoveredNYC directly for one-on-one support.

Got a question about health insurance? GetCoveredNYC has an answer for you.

What coverage plans are available?

All New Yorkers have health coverage options they can enroll in, no matter your immigration status or income. Depending on your qualifying status, health insurance plans may include:

• NY State of Health (Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare)
• Medicare

If you are currently enrolled on a health insurance plan, we can help you find out your options (if applicable). If you do not qualify for insurance, health coverage options such as NYC Care may be available to you.

What insurance plans do I qualify for?

Every New Yorker qualifies for health coverage. Our GetCoveredNYC Specialists can help connect you to an enroller that will help you determine your eligibility and find a plan that fits your budget and health needs. Depending on your unique, individual situation, you may also qualify for low- or no-cost health insurance plans. No matter your immigration status, if you are unsure about what health insurance you qualify for, please fill out the form below, call 311 and say "GetCoveredNYC", or text CoveredNYC (SeguroNYC en Español) to 55676 to be connected to a Specialist.

Are there options for me if I don't qualify for, or can't afford, health insurance?

Yes! New Yorkers are eligible for NYC Care, a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. With NYC Care, you can get a unique membership card to access health services, choose your own doctor, and get affordable medications. Visit NYCCare.nyc or call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) to learn more.

How do I use my health insurance plan?

You can use your health insurance for covered services when you visit a doctor, pick up a prescription at the pharmacy, or go to the hospital. To check the health benefits that are covered under your health insurance plan, please fill out the form below , call 311 and say "GetCoveredNYC", or text CoveredNYC (SeguroNYC en Español) to 55676 to be connected to a Specialist.

How can I check if I have active health insurance coverage?

GetCoveredNYC Specialists can help you make an appointment with an Enroller. Depending on your status, the Enroller can discuss your options and help you enroll in a new or different health insurance plan.

Can I enroll in health insurance if I am not a US citizen or if I am undocumented?

All New Yorkers are eligible for and are entitled to health care enrollment services regardless of their immigration status. GetCoveredNYC Specialists speak multiple languages and can help connect you to the service providers that can help you.

• Children under 19 years of age in New York State, regardless of immigration status, may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Child Health Plus.
• Pregnant women in NYS, regardless of immigration status, with incomes up to 223% of the federal poverty level, may qualify for Medicaid and receive free prenatal, delivery and postpartum care.
• Adults with low-income who are undocumented may be eligible for Emergency Medicaid, which pays for medical costs in an emergency.

The City of New York and New York City Health + Hospitals are committed to providing care to the community regardless of immigration status, income, or insurance coverage.

• NYC Care is also available to New Yorkers regardless of their immigration status. It is a health care access program that guarantees low- or no-cost services. All NYC Care services are offered and provided by NYC Health + Hospitals.
• All New Yorkers are encouraged to fill out the form below, call 311 and say "GetCoveredNYC", or text CoveredNYC to 55676 (SeguroNYC en Español) to connect with a GetCoveredNYC Specialist who can further assist you.

What is Open Enrollment? When is this year's Open Enrollment deadline? What happens if I miss the deadline?

The NY State of Health Open Enrollment Period for coverage in a 2023 Qualified Health Plan ended on January 31, 2023. However, you can still enroll in a Qualified Health Plan from February 1, 2023 through the Spring of 2024. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Essential Plan is available year-around. Act fast to be covered as soon as possible.

Enrollment in Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus is available year-round for those who meet income requirements.

If I already have health insurance, do I need to re-enroll during Open Enrollment?

Generally, New Yorkers who previously enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, or the Qualified Health Plan through the NY State of Health Marketplace must renew their health insurance each year to maintain coverage. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, consumers already enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan will have their coverage continued automatically through the end of the federal public health emergency and do not need to renew at this time.

New Yorkers who have opted-in to auto-renewal will be automatically re-enrolled in the health plan they're currently in and New York State will continue to apply the amount of monthly financial help they initially selected in the current year, unless the amount they're eligible for has decreased. Many New Yorkers are now eligible for additional help to pay for health insurance, including those who were previously ineligible because their income is too high. This additional assistance was automatically applied if you are already enrolled and receiving tax credits. Those without health insurance should apply to see what they qualify for.

I have more questions about enrolling. How can I be in touch?

Fill out the form below and a GetCoveredNYC Specialist will be in touch with you! You can also call 311 and say "GetCoveredNYC" or text CoveredNYC (SeguroNYC en Español) to 55676 to be connected to a GetCoveredNYC Specialist.

I want to invite GetCoveredNYC to attend my event or do a presentation. How can I be in touch?

If you're hosting a resource fair, office hours, or would like to request a training or presentation, please email getcoverednyc@hra.nyc.gov with more information about the event and the specific role GetCoveredNYC would play and we will be in touch.

Fill out the form below to get help with finding health insurance

I'm a Veteran living in New York City, can GetCoveredNYC help me find health coverage?

GetCoveredNYC can help connect all New York City Veterans to appropriate health care coverage options, including VA health care, if you're eligible. The Mayor's Public Engagement Unit (PEU) and the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) are partnering to connect New York City Veterans with health coverage and to ensure that no Veteran is left behind.

Text "CoveredNYCVet" ("SeguroNYCVet" en Español) to 55676 to receive a call from a GetCoveredNYC Specialist.

I'm a Veteran living in New York City, what are my health coverage options?

There is a health coverage option for every single Veteran living in New York City. There are affordable options available for all, regardless of immigration, employment, or discharge status. GetCoveredNYC can help you find a plan that works.

Depending on your eligibility, some options may include:

• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: You may be able to get VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge. These benefits are not affected by any other health insurance you may have (like Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance).
• TRICARE: TRICARE is the Department of Defense's (DoD) worldwide health care program for active duty and retired uniformed service members and their families.
• NY State of Health Essential Plan: The New York State of Health Essential Plan is a free or low-cost insurance plan for adults with low incomes who don't qualify for Medicaid.
• Qualified Health Plans: Qualified Health Plans are available on the NY State of Health Marketplace and directly from insurance companies. These private insurance plans follow the rules set by the Affordable Care Act, which include covering essential health services and meeting certain standards of cost sharing. Financial help is available to make these more affordable.
• NYC Care: NYC Care is a health care access program that connects New Yorkers to low-cost and no-cost health care at NYC Health + Hospitals. NYC Care is available to people who can't qualify for or cannot afford health insurance.
• Medicaid: Medicaid is a public health insurance for low-income New Yorkers.
• Medicare: Medicare is a public health insurance for individuals 65 and older, some people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.
• Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare Savings Programs help pay for Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
• Child Health Plus: This is New York State's health insurance plan for kids. Depending on your family's income, your child may be eligible to join either Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus. How much you have to pay for this affordable plan also depends on your income.
• Social Security Administration: The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) administers Social Security, Retirement Disability, Supplemental Security Income, and Survivors Benefits.

Learn more about health care for veterans or connect directly with a GetCoveredNYC Specialist by texting "CoveredNYCVet" ("SeguroNYCVet" en Español) to 55676.

I'm a young adult in New York City, what are my health coverage options?

Health coverage is important for people of all ages. There are options available in New York for people of all ages, regardless of immigration or employment status. GetCoveredNYC can help you find a plan that works.

Depending on your eligibility, some options may include:

• Child Health Plus: a free or low-cost insurance plan available to New Yorkers under 19.
• Medicaid: Depending on how much money you make, you might qualify for Medicaid, which is a public health insurance for people with low incomes.
• NY State of Health Essential Plan: this is a free or low-cost insurance plan for adults with low incomes who don't qualify for Medicaid.
• Qualified Health Plans: Qualified Health Plans are available on the NY State of Health Marketplace and directly from insurance companies. These private insurance plans follow the rules set by the Affordable Care Act, which include covering essential health services and meeting certain standards of cost sharing. Financial help is available to make these more affordable.
• Medicare: Though Medicare is most commonly known as a public health insurance for people at least 65 years old, other people who could qualify include those with disabilities or end-stage renal disease.
• Your Parent's Plan: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you can stay on or get on your parent's health insurance plan until you're 26. Some plans even allow adult children to stay on their parents' plan until they turn 30. Have your parent talk to their HR department or insurance company to learn more.
• Employer or School-Sponsored Plan: Many employers offer health insurance to employees, often at a reduced rate. Talk to your HR department about your options. If you're a student, you might be able to get health insurance through your college or university.
• NYC Care: If you don't qualify for health insurance, you can get NYC Care, which isn't insurance, but it's a coverage plan that helps you get affordable medical care at New York City's public hospital system.