The State of New York offers public health insurance at no or low cost. Residents may be eligible to participate in these programs based on family size and current income.

Prospective applicants must meet with an insurance representative to complete an application to determine eligibility. Applicants may be asked to bring documentation of current income and family size when meeting with a health insurance representative.

Medicaid is for uninsured children and adults. To apply for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or a Qualified Health Plan through the Marketplace, please call the Healthcare Access Center at (866) 381-1931 to be set up with an appointment to meet with a Certified Application Counselor. Applicants must reside in New York state and have legal immigration status. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

In some cases, you may be asked to bring in proof of the documents listed below for anyone who is applying.

Recommended Documents

Please be sure to bring the following documents:

• Picture identification (for anyone ages 16 and over)

• Proof of residency/home address (a recent utility bill or envelope mailed to you that does NOT have a see-through window or label

• Proof of birth (birth certificate, U.S. Passport, Green Card, Work Permit)

• Social Security Number (if applicable)

• Proof of family income and family size (Proof of the last 4 weeks worth of income)

• A blank personal check (for Child Health Plus B only)

• For uninsured children and adults who are not eligible for Medicaid.

• NYS Resident and legal immigration status is required.

• Financial Assistance is offered through the state via Advanced Premium Tax Credits, which helps to lower monthly premium costs, and Cost Sharing Reductions, which helps to lower out of pocket expenses.

• Premium rates vary based on plan chosen, income and household size and Advanced Premium Tax Credits and/or Cost Sharing Reductions you may be eligible for.

• Open enrollment period is currently closed,  The next open enrollment period begins November 15th, 2014 through February 15th, 2015.

• The only way to apply for a Qualified Health Plan after the open enrollment period has ended is if you have a “Qualifying Life Event”, such as birth/death of a new family member, loss of coverage within 60 days, marriage/divorce, etc.

• There is a penalty for individuals not enrolled into a health insurance program.  Penalty for 2014 is $95 or 1% of gross taxable income, whichever is greater, per uninsured individual.  Penalty for 2015 is $295 or 2% of gross taxable income, whichever is greater, per uninsured individual.

• You can apply for an exemption to the mandate by calling New York State of Health Mareketplace at (855) 355-5777 or when you do your taxes.

This program is for uninsured pregnant women and adolescents residing in New York state.

• May be eligible regardless of immigration status.

• Eligibility is based on household size and income.

Prospective applicants must call to apply for the Prenatal Care Medicaid Program before seeing a doctor.