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Medical & Dental Health


Free or Low-Cost Children Health Insurance Programs

 

There are two options for free or low-cost children’s health insurance in New York. These are Children’s Medicaid and Child Health Plus.
 
Either Children’s Medicaid or Child Health Plus provide health coverage for children so that they can get routine check-ups, immunizations, dental care, emergency care, and more to keep them healthy.

 


Children’s Medicaid

 

The federal government manages Children’s Medicaid, which is a type of public insurance that doesn’t charge you a monthly fee.

 
However, sometimes you have to pay a small fee for some services, and other times you don’t have to. Under Medicaid, the most you would ever have to pay in copays in a year is $200.
 
Your child is eligible for Children’s Medicaid if:
• It is 1-18 years old
• It resides in NYS and is a U.S. Citizen, National, or a Non-Citizen legally admitted into the U.S
• The amount of money you make is equal or lower than on a portion of the Federal Poverty Level that is set by New York State. See if your income qualifies by checking this Glance Card.
 
Every year, the insurance must be renewed. See details at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/COVID-19-Changes. To apply go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov.


 

Child Health Plus

 

Child Health Plus is New York State’s child health insurance program. Depending on your income, the amount you pay each month may be fully subsidized, somewhat subsidized, or not subsidized at all.

 
The monthly fee however is capped at three children for bigger families. Families with income above the low-income threshold for subsidies may have to pay the whole premium, which varies by health plan. In contrast, low-income households are not required to pay a premium.
 
One of the good things about Child Health Plus is that there are no annual deductibles. You can also sign up your kid for it at any time of the year through the NY State of Health.
 
Your child is eligible for Child Health Plus if:
– It is less than 19 years old
– It is not eligible for Children Medicaid
– It cannot be covered by other health insurance
– It resides in New York State, no matter its immigration status
 
For more information about Child Health Plus, check out this Glance Card. Every year, Child Health Plus must be renewed. See details at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/COVID-19-Changes.
 
Learn if your child qualifies for either Medicaid or Child Health Plus at health.ny.gov/health_care/child_health_plus/eligibility_and_cost. For other questions, call this toll-free number: 1-800-698-4KIDS (1-800-698-4543), and ask about Child Health Plus or Children’s Medicaid. If you are hearing impaired, call the TTY number, 1-877-898-5849.
 
Updated on February 27, 2024


The Essential Plan

 

The Essential Plan is a new health insurance program for New Yorkers. Working people with lower incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid can receive health insurance through the Essential Plan.

 

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or meet immigration status requirements. Also, be an adult who is 19–64 years of age. They should meet certain income requirements based on the size of your family.
  • View income levels for the Essential Plan at nyc.gov/assets/ochia/downloads/pdf/essential-plan-income-chart.pdf.
  • You will either pay no premium or $20/month and you will not have to meet an annual deductible.
  • Get hospital care, prescription drugs, and doctor visits as a minimum.
  • Enrollment is open all year. Call 1-855-355-5777 or TTY: 1-800-662-1220 to sign up.

 
Likewise, you can get free dental and vision care or pay for these benefits, depending on your income. Find more information about the Essential Plan at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/essentialplan.
 
Updated on February 27, 2024
 


NYC Care with NYC Health + Hospitals

 

NYC Health + Hospitals, also known as H+H, offers emergency care, general health care, check-ups, immunizations, and more. To reach the center closest to you, call 718-387-6407. To sign up for health care plans, such as the NYC Care program, call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) or go to nyccare.nyc.

 
NYC Care is not health insurance. It’s a guaranteed healthcare access program provided by NYC Health + Hospitals for uninsured New Yorkers. Similar to health insurance, NYC Care offers a membership card, a regular doctor, high-quality customer service, affordable prescriptions, and more. You won’t have to deal with any membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums. Your payments will align with your budget.
 
Call (646) 692-2273 for further information and to apply to NYC Care.
 
Updated on July 29, 2024


Medicaid for Pregnancy

 

People who are pregnant can get free Medicaid care through the New York State Department of Health.

 

  • If you’re pregnant and uninsured, you may qualify. How much you earn will determine if you qualify. Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 800-522-5006 for information to see if you qualify.
  • Coverage is available regardless of immigration status.
  • To sign up, go to the NY State of Health Marketplace at nystateofhealth.ny.gov even if the enrollment period has closed.
  • Call 311 for assistance with your application.
  • Your baby will receive health care for at least one year after its birth.

 
To learn more about Medicaid for Pregnant Women go to access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid-for-pregnant-women.
 
Updated on February 26, 2024
 


Federally Qualified Health Centers

 

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as free clinics, provide medical services regardless of whether you have health insurance or are eligible for it.

 
FQHCs use a sliding fee scale based on your income, so you pay what you can afford. The scale provides discounts based on your family size and income.
 
Locate a Federally Qualified Health Center by address or county at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.


LGBTQ+ Medical Care

 

Several centers offer on-site primary care and psychiatry services to the LGBTQ community. Find a curated list below.

 

THE ALI FORNER CENTER
The Institute for Family Health, in partnership with Care for the Homeless, offers on-site primary care and psychiatry services in the Ali Forner Center to the LGBTQ+ community.

www.aliforneycenter.org/health-services
321 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027.
Phone: (212) 222-3427 ext. 300.
 

Services & hours of operation

Monday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Doctor, Medical Office Assistant, and Insurance Navigator.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nurse and Medical Office Assistant.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Doctor, Nurse, Medical Assistant, Social Worker, and Insurance Navigator.
Saturday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Nurse.
 


 

CALLEN-LORDE COMMUNITY HEALTH
The Callen-Lorde Community Health Center offers comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay to the LGBTQ+ community.

www.callen-lorde.org.
Chelsea: 356 West 18th St. New York, NY 10011 | Phone: (212) 271-7200.
Bronx: 3144 3rd Ave, Bronx, NY 10451 | Phone: (718) 215-1800.
Brooklyn: 40 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | Phone: (718) 215-1818.
 

Services

– Sliding fee scale.
– Adolescent Health, Crisis Text Line.
– Dental Care.
– Sexual Health.
– Behavioral Health.
 


 

PRIDE HEALTH CENTERS AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS
NYC Health + Hospitals provides health services to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status.

www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/lgbtq-health-care-services
East Harlem: 1901 First Avenue (at 97th Street), New York, NY 10029 | Phone: (212) 423-7292.
Midtown: 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 | Phone: (332) 259-0404.
Lower East Side: 227 Madison Street, New York, NY 10002 | Phone: (212) 441-5469.
Bronx: 1400 Pelham Parkway Street, Bronx, NY 10461 | Phone: (718) 918-7787.
Bronx: 234 East 149th Street 8th floor, Unit 8A Bronx, NY 10451 | Phone: (718) 579-5264.
Brooklyn: 760 Broadway Brooklyn, New York 1120 | Phone: (718) 963-8033.
 

Services & hours of operation

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
— Transgender health care, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery.
— Women’s and men’s health.
— General medical/specialty referrals.
— Preventive care services.
— Social work.
 
Updated on September 15, 2024


NYS Health Plan Market Place

 

Commercial healthcare insurance plans cover your medical expenses, so you don’t have to pay upfront. Choose a plan that fits your individual and family health needs.

 
To get commercial health insurance you must enroll as client in the New York State (NYS) Marketplace. To qualify you must be a New York state resident, US citizen, national, or lawfully present immigrant.
 
If you are eligible for public health insurance like Child Health Plus or NYS Medicaid (based on your income), different immigration rules may apply. Please note that current incarceration disqualifies eligibility.
 
Learn more about the health insurance marketplace and plans at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. For a guide about health services coverage go to healthinsurance.org/states/health-insurance-new-york.


Prescription Discount Card Programs

 

Prescription assistance programs give out Rx cards to the community so that people can buy prescription drugs at a lower cost. This is a practical way to get more affordable medication when paying out of pocket.

 
Most pharmacies in New York participate in the program, and anyone can use these Rx cards. Unlike insurance programs, no income, age, pre-existing condition, deductible, or waiting period restrictions exist.
 
Visit the website of the specific Rx program to find specific medications and see how much you could save with an Rx card. To get an Rx card, please find below a list of prescription assistance programs:
 

 
After obtaining the Rx discount card, simply hand it to the pharmacist. It’s worth mentioning that those with insurance can use the card for medications not covered by their plan or if the discount results in a lower cost than their co-pay. You can also ask your pharmacist to compare prices for you.

 


Affordable Dental Care Clinics

 

You can easily access affordable dental care at various school-based facilities, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), and nonprofit medical centers. Consider getting dental care from the centers listed below, which are organized by borough.

 


BROOKLYN

New York University (NYU) David B. Kriser Dental Center  

The NYU David B. Kriser Dental Center is located at 336 Flatbush Ave Ext, Floor 4A, Brooklyn, NY. It provides affordable and comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages with diverse dental needs, serving Brooklyn, Staten Island residents, and the surrounding area.
 
The clinic offers dental services at lower fees compared to most private practices in the area. Dental students, supervised by the NYU College of Dentistry faculty, perform diagnosis and treatment.
 
General and specialized dental services are available. For urgent dental needs such as loose or broken restorations, excessive bleeding, swelling, oral infection, or trauma, visits are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis without an appointment.
 
Payment for services is required at the beginning of each visit or before treatment completion for procedures requiring multiple appointments. To schedule an appointment, please call (646) 997-4300. Learn more about the David B. Kriser Dental Center at dental.nyu.edu/patientcare/brooklyn-patient-care.html.


Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center 

The Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center (BSFHC) offers pediatric and adult patients affordable dental care. The clinic is at 1456 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York 11216, and serves residents in North and Central Brooklyn. This center can be reached at (718) 636-4500.  
 
The clinic offers comprehensive and preventative dental care as well as emergency care. The following dental services are offered: dental exams, x-rays, cleaning, oral cancer screening, fillings, tooth replacement, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and night guards for teeth grinding. 
 
BSFHC offers a sliding scale and financial assistance for those with difficulty paying. Individuals and families with annual incomes at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level must receive a total discount, and only a nominal/flat fee is charged. To schedule an appointment, please request one at https://www.bsfhc.org/appointment.


Community Healthcare Network, Williamsburg Health Center 

Community Healthcare Network (CHN) is a not-for-profit organization that provides affordable dental care and serves low-income and uninsured New Yorkers. 
 
Their team of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants offers a wide range of dental services, including teeth cleanings, check-ups, periodontics (implants), prosthodontics (fake teeth), pedodontics (children’s teeth), endodontics (inside the tooth), oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. 
 
For patients who do not have health insurance, the center can create a payment plan that fits the patient’s budget and healthcare needs. Payments will be made based on a sliding fee scale. This means that how much patients pay for a service is based on how much money they make. To schedule an appointment, please call (866) 246-8259. Learn more about the Community Healthcare Network at Williamsburg at www.chnnyc.org/services/dental-care.

 


 MANHATTAN

Family Health Center of Harlem 

The Institute for Family Health’s centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan offer high-quality services to people of all ages. All their centers accept new patients. Family Health Center of Harlem is located at 1824 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10035.  
 
The centers offer comprehensive dental services and digital radiography. The Institute’s dental services are affordable for everyone. They accept Medicaid and most insurance plans. For patients who do not have insurance, the Institute offers care through its sliding fee discount program. To schedule an appointment, please call 844-434-2778. Learn more about about the Family Health Center of Harlem at institute.org/health-care/services/dental-care  

 


BRONX 

Walton Family Health Center 

The Institute for Family Health’s centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Mid-Hudson Valley offer high-quality services to people of all ages. All their centers accept new patients. Walton Family Health Center is at 1894 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453. 
 
The centers offer comprehensive dental services and digital radiography. The Institute’s dental services are affordable for everyone. They accept Medicaid and most insurance plans. For patients who do not have insurance, the Institute offers care through its sliding fee discount program. To schedule an appointment, please call 844-434-2778. Learn more about the Walton Family Health Center at institute.org/health-care/locations/bronx.


Stevenson Family Health Center 

The Institute for Family Health’s centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan offer high-quality services to people of all ages. All their centers accept new patients. Stevenson Family Health Center is at 731 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10473. 
 
The centers offer comprehensive dental services and digital radiography. The Institute’s dental services are affordable for everyone. They accept Medicaid and most insurance plans. For patients who do not have insurance, the Institute offers care through its sliding fee discount program. To schedule an appointment, please call 844-434-2778. Learn more about Stevenson Family Health Center at institute.org/location/stevenson-family-health-center.

 


 QUEENS

The Floating Hospital, Main Clinic 

The Floating Hospital provides quality oral healthcare to people of all ages, from babies to adults, utilizing the best available preventative, restorative, and cosmetic techniques. The clinic is at 21-01 41st Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101. 
 
The clinic accepts all Medicare and Medicaid plans. For patients without insurance, they apply their sliding fee scale, which calculates a rate of pay based on household size and income. The front desk clerk will calculate the cost before the service so patients can know the affordability of the visit in advance. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-784-2240, ext. 2. Learn more about the Floating Hospital at www.thefloatinghospital.org/dental-clinic.

 


STATEN ISLAND

 Metro Community Health Centers 

The Metro Community Health Centers offers routine cleaning and other dental procedures for children and adults. They also provide individualized attention and accommodation for those with special dental needs. The center serves underserved patients and is especially committed to the needs of people with disabilities. The clinic is at 2324 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10303, (718) 447-0200. 
 
The center offers a sliding fee discount to patients with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Patients can apply for their Sliding Fee Discount Application by calling any of their practices at (855) 624-2692. To schedule an appointment, please request one at https://mchcny.org/form-library.
 
Updated on July 30th, 2024


Affordable Eye Care

 

Union Square EyeCare is a clinic that serves patients of all ages. They provide sliding-scale services for those without eye insurance and accept Medicaid and most insurances. The clinic is open to walk-ins, and offers same-day appointments.

 
Harlem Location
1815 Madison Avenue@118th Street, New York, NY 10035 . Phone: 212-844-2020 | Fax: 212-844-1141
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Bus: M1, M116,M102 | Subway: 2,3,6 to 116th.
Schedule an appointment here.


Union Square Location
235 Park Avenue South – 2nd(19th St), New York, NY 10003. Phone: 212-844-2020 | Fax: 212-844-8221
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm | Subway: 4,5,6,L,Q,N,R,W to 14th  Bus: M1,M2 or M3 to 18th St
Schedule an appointment here.
 
Find more information at www.usqeyecare.com.
 
Updated on May 16, 2024
 


Medicaid Medical Transportation

 

Medicaid provides free transportation to and from medical appointments for those who may struggle to get there on their own or have limited ability to pay for public transportation. A caseworker must make a request. Upon approval, patients will receive a scheduled pick-up or voucher for public transportation rides. For emergency transportation needs, call 911.

 
If you are unable to use public transportation and need to request a medical service pick-up, you may be eligible if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, don’t have a working vehicle available in your household, are unable to travel or wait for services alone, or have a physical, cognitive, mental, or developmental limitation.
 
How to Request Medical Transportation Services

  • A medical practitioner or caseworker will assist you in scheduling it through the Medical Answering Services (MAS) website at medanswering.com. They will need to provide details about the type of transportation required based on the patient’s health status.
  • Enrollees capable of using public transit should submit their transportation requests at least five (5) days before the appointment at medanswering.com. Bus or train fares will be mailed to arrive before the date of service.
  • Once the request is approved, the patient will receive a confirmation call from the transportation agency. It’s important to ensure patients answer this call so everything goes smoothly.

 
CANCELLATIONS

  • Medicaid enrollees or their designated agents must call the transportation manager to cancel their scheduled service to avoid being labeled a no-show.
  • If the appointment for which transportation is being canceled is rescheduled for the same day or the next day, the Medicaid enrollees or their designated agent should contact the transportation vendor directly to notify them of the cancellation.
  • The transportation manager contact list by county can be accessed online at emedny.org/ProviderManuals/Transportation/index.aspx.

To find more information about requests of transportation with the Medical Answering Services (MAS) visit emedny.org/ProviderManuals/Transportation/PDFS/Ordering_Guidelines_Manual.pdf.
 
Updated on September 24, 2024


Birth Certificates

 

All birth records for people born in New York City are kept by the city’s health department. Every parent of a baby will get a free birth certificate from the Health Department about one month after the birth. If you haven’t gotten the certificate in four weeks, call the helpline at 311.

 
What can I do if there is a mistake on my child’s birth certificate?
 
You must send the hospital your order request and the original baby certificate within the first year of the child’s life. Talk to the hospital’s birth clerk for more information.
 
How do I get a corrected birth certificate after your child’s first year?
 
When you receive the original birth certificate, it’s best to make the changes right away. Waiting until your child is a year old can slow things down. For help correcting your child’s birth certificate, please follow this guide carefully at this link: www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-death-records-corrections-birth.pagef. You can also call 311 to get help.
 
How can I get copies of my child’s birth certificate?

  • Make a Request Online

Get a copy online at VitalCheck, a third-party company approved by the Department of Health. It takes 10 to 15 business days to complete. At a816-evital.nyc.gov/eVitalVRRTS, you can see where your order is in the process. Each certificate has a cost, and there may be additional processing fees. The processing time is four to six weeks.

  • Make a Request by Mail

Complete, sign, and notarize the following document: nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/birth1.pdf. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
 
Learn more about how to get a birth certificate copy at https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-death-records-birth.page
 
Updated on May 29, 2024


Patient Advocate Foundation

 

The Patient Advocate Foundation offers assistance to patients with specific issues with health insurance, employer and/or creditors, job loss due to illness. Professional case managers and attorneys can advocate for patients.

 
Call (800) 532-5274 Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4p.m. By email contact them at help@patientadvocate.org
 
For more information visit www.patientadvocate.org.
 
Updated on September 25, 2024
 




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