What health insurance options are available if I am a noncitizen? 

Many noncitizens are eligible for public health insurance, including full Medicaid coverage. You may be a qualified immigrant, such as a legal permanent resident, an asylee or refugee with an approved application. If these categories don’t apply to you, you may also qualify for Medicaid based on deferred action or a pending application with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as long as you submit proof of your pending application or status.  

If you are a noncitizen who hasn’t filed or are not eligible to file any application with USCIS and have no immigration status at this time, you may still be eligible for certain health insurance programs. 

• Child Health Plus: free or lower cost health insurance for children under 19 years of age regardless of immigration status. 
• Emergency Medicaid: Medicaid for the treatment of an emergency medical condition. You must meet all other eligibility requirements, including proof of identity, income, and NYS residency. 
• Medicaid for Pregnant Adults:  Medicaid is available for pregnant adults regardless of their immigration status, as long as they meet the other requirements, including proof of identity, income, and NYS residency. Pregnant adults receive 12 months of Medicaid coverage after birth. 

For the above programs, you can apply by contacting NYSOH or an enrollment assistor program. 

If you are 65 years of age and older and have no immigration status at this time, you can apply for full Medicaid coverage through the local department of social services or HRA in NYC. To apply for Medicaid, you must:

• Complete and submit Medicaid application forms (DOH-4220) & (DOH-5178); and
• Provide supporting documents like proof of age and identity, NYS residency, income and resources for yourself and your spouse if you live together.  

An application for Medicaid for someone 65 years of age or older will be reviewed and decided in 45 days. You will receive a notice in the mail with the Medicaid program’s decision. If approved, you will receive additional information on how to enroll in a Medicaid managed care plan. If your application is denied or you don’t get a decision after 45 days, you can request an appeal (called a fair hearing) with the Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA). 

In New York City, you can also apply for NYC Care, a health care access program that guarantees low-cost or no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify or cannot afford health insurance. NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. 

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.