医NYC Care
NYC Care is not insurance; it's a care program at NYC Health + Hospitals for people who can't get any health plan. Status isn't asked, costs slide by income starting at $0, and you get your own primary care doctor.
Important: this guide is general information, not legal, immigration or other professional advice. Rules may have changed; confirm with the agency before applying. Disclaimer
Who can apply
- Lives in the five boroughs
- Not eligible for any NY health plan and no job-based insurance
- Immigration status isn't asked
How to apply, step by step
- Step 1Check that it fits you: you live in the five boroughs, have no job-based insurance, and don't qualify for any New York State health plan. Immigration status isn't asked.
- Step 2Bring proof of identity (any one): driver's license or non-driver ID, IDNYC, passport, green card, work permit or birth certificate.
- Step 3Bring proof of income (any one): pay stubs from the last 4 weeks, an employer letter, or an award letter or check for pension, SSI or unemployment.
- Step 4Bring proof of address (any one): a postmarked envelope, a utility bill from the last 90 days, a lease or a mortgage statement. If you were already screened by NY State of Health, bring that result too.
- Step 5Go even if you're missing papers: NYC Care may still be able to enroll you.
- Step 6Choose how to enroll: (1) call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) and say "Chinese, Mandarin please" or "Cantonese please"; (2) see a financial counselor at any NYC Health + Hospitals location; (3) visit a MetroPlusHealth office; or (4) visit an NYC Care community partner.
- Step 7If you enroll by phone: upload your papers to MyChart (the public hospitals' online patient portal), or bring them to your appointment.
- Step 8If you're already a public-hospital patient: if you were screened for insurance in the last 6 months, you may get fast-track enrollment; ask when you call or visit.
After you apply
- Your card comes in the mail: it shows what you pay for care and the date it expires ("effective through"). Bring it every time you get care.
- Your first visit: ACCESS NYC says you should get your first appointment within two weeks, with your own primary care doctor.
- Costs: based on income and family size, starting at $0, with no membership fee, monthly fee or premium.
- Renew every 12 months: a financial counselor checks again whether you qualify for insurance. You can renew up to 30 days before your card expires; bring the papers you used to enroll.
- Language: the public hospitals offer free interpreters in more than 250 languages and dialects, in person or by phone, plus written translations.
Tips
- NYC Care says your information is not shared with immigration officials, so you can enroll safely.
- NYC Care works only at NYC Health + Hospitals locations, not at private hospitals or clinics.
- Write down the expiration date on your card and renew 30 days early so care isn't interrupted.
- Enrollment is free. Don't pay anyone to enroll you.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change often; confirm with the official website or agency staff before applying.
