New York State Public Health Programs for Health Insurance Coverage

Is Healthy NY Right for You and Your Family? Information on New York State Public Health Programs

Before enrolling in Healthy NY, you may want to consider these free or reduced-cost public health programs for you and your family:

Child Health Plus

Child Health Plus offers free or low-cost coverage to children up to age 19. If you are eligible for Healthy NY, then your children may be eligible for Child Health Plus. It may be less expensive for you and your spouse to have coverage through Healthy NY and for your children to have Child Health Plus coverage. Child Health Plus benefits are specially designed to meet the needs of children and are more complete than Healthy NY. You should find out if your children are eligible for Child Health Plus before enrolling them in Healthy NY. For more information about Child Health Plus, call New York's toll free hotline at 1-800-698-4543 or visit the Department of Health's Web site at www.health.state.ny.us.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides free health insurance to very low-income children and adults. Medicaid may cover you if you meet certain income, asset, age, or disability requirements or if you receive Supplemental Security Income or have high medical bills. You do not have to have a job to receive Medicaid.

Apply for Medicaid in writing, by phone, or by going to your local department of social services. In New York City, contact the Human Resources Administration at (718) 557-1399. Residents of the five boroughs of New York City may call toll free at 1-877-472-8411. Pregnant women and children can apply at many clinics, hospitals, and Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP) offices. Call your local department of social services to find out where you can apply.

Family Health Plus

Family Health Plus is a free program for adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who do not have health insurance but make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. Family Health Plus is available to low-income single adults, couples without children, and parents. If your income is greater than Family Health Plus income guidelines, then you are not eligible. There are no premiums, co-payments, deductibles, or other fees. For more information, call 1-877-9FHPLUS or visit the Department of Health's Web site at www.health.state.ny.us.

Prenatal Care Assistance Program

Pregnant women and teens who meet income requirements can get complete medical care during pregnancy and delivery and for at least two months after delivery. PCAP does not have a pre-existing condition limitation because of pregnancy. Babies can get care for at least one year after birth. To get more information, call 1-800-522-5006 or visit the Department of Health's Web site at www.health.state.ny.us.

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