New York City
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Health Insurance


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


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.




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