Our plans are tailored to address what matters, from quality coverage to caring support. Find one that’s just right for you.
New Yorkers can access multiple health insurance options, from free or low-cost public plans like Medicaid and Child Health Plus to coverage through employers or the Marketplace.
Get Covered in NYC
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made health insurance more accessible. New York City residents can gain access to free or low-cost plans via the NYC Individual Marketplace. In-person assistance from community organizations is also available if necessary; otherwise you can search and compare plans independently.
New York City provides health insurance options through the NYC MetroPlus Health plan that are not offered through individual Marketplace. This plan can provide coverage to both individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid or don’t receive coverage through an employer, providing comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits in one convenient package.
Once you enter your household income and other information on the Marketplace website, you can determine if you qualify for a marketplace plan by choosing an insurance plan that best meets your needs and budget. For instance, those living below poverty line may qualify for Silver plans, which cost less than Gold or Platinum options but require frequent doctor visits; otherwise a Bronze plan might make sense due to lower monthly fees but greater out-of-pocket expenses.
Some New York City residents may also qualify for healthcare at no or reduced costs through the New York City Department of Health’s Essential Plan or at NYC Health + Hospitals, where you can gain information and apply. As the application process can be time-consuming and confusing, working with a counselor during this process could prove invaluable.
Residents over 65 can enroll in Medicare through the NY State of Health Marketplace either during its Open Enrollment Period, or due to life events like job loss or marriage. You can also sign up for public health programs like Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Essential Plan at any time throughout the year.
Find a Plan
Health insurance options differ depending on where you live, with individual needs and financial situations being the determining factors when choosing an ideal plan. Tax credits could potentially lower costs as well, so using the online tool on this page to check eligibility and locate one that matches is essential in finding one that is tailored exactly to you and meets all of your requirements.
As part of your search for an insurance plan, take into account its monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs as well as your doctor network and whether procedures or specialists require referral. When browsing plans you might come across HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans – each type has different advantages and disadvantages, though HMOs generally provide lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs while PPOs and EPOs may offer greater flexibility but at greater costs; finally POS plans give you a choice between flexibility of an HMO or affordability of PPO plans!
Your options for enrolling in private coverage through the Marketplace include enrolling through or purchasing directly from an insurer; however, purchasing outside the Marketplace won’t qualify you for tax credits and will prevent you from accessing them.
For information about your employer-sponsored coverage options, reach out to your Human Resources department. If you work independently or for a small business, purchasing coverage on the Marketplace might be appropriate; alternatively, consult with a licensed insurance agent or broker who can assist in finding an ideal plan for you.
If you are 65 or over and eligible for Medicare, a government-run health program which covers most of your medical costs, you could qualify for it. Open enrollment period runs from Oct 15 – Dec 7, and during this timeframe you can sign up for additional coverage (supplementary health or prescription drug coverage) during either phone calls, online applications, in person assisters or over the phone – fastest being online application! You can call the Marketplace Call Center with questions, start or complete applications and compare plans as well as enroll anytime during that period – except holidays!
Get Help Enrolling
There are various methods available for enrolling in health coverage. While you can receive assistance for free from navigators or certified application counselors, individuals can also call the marketplace help line or visit a resource center to receive help enrolling.
The Affordable Care Act makes health insurance easier to access for many Americans. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage due to preexisting conditions and sets standards for coverage provided. Furthermore, young adults can remain on their parent’s health plan up until age 26.
Most non-elderly Americans obtain health insurance through either their employer or their spouse’s. When starting new jobs or during open enrollment periods each year, people typically enroll. Individuals can also purchase their own policy through private marketplaces or directly from insurers; some people may even qualify for Medicaid or Essential Plan programs through state marketplaces.
Each state regulates what type of health coverage it offers and who can buy it, with some types, like Medicare and Medigap coverage governed at a federal level while small group/individual/family health plans fall under state jurisdiction.
If you’re purchasing your own health insurance, the ACA marketplace, known in New York as Plan Finder, can assist in finding and comparing private options. This includes traditional plans, dental and vision plans, short-term health insurance and maternity coverage options that should meet both your specific needs and budget constraints.
Changes can be made to your existing plan during the open enrollment period, which usually runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. Changes outside this window may also be made based on certain qualifying life events; if enrolled through New York State of Health Marketplace plans will automatically update to 2024-compliant plans.
Find a Provider
If you have private health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as NY State of Health), this site can help you quickly locate in-network doctors, providers, hospitals and facilities. In addition, get help applying for your plan of choice and determine eligibility for financial assistance.
If your health care coverage comes through an employer group or as an individual, this site provides coverage information and provider networks based on the plan you have. Search by doctor name or location or browse a map of all 23 counties Independent Health serves. For additional details on your plan and its coverage log in to MyIH account for further access.
Our plans are tailored to provide what matters, from quality coverage to compassionate support. Log into your account now for instant access to manage and request member ID cards for your plan; find LGBTQ+ friendly providers; connect with a UnitedHealthcare Advocate near you; explore Medicare Advantage plans that provide additional dental, vision and hearing benefits as well as convenience of an in-network doctor and pharmacy here in NYC; plus, explore UnitedHealthcare Advocate plans which allow for additional benefits like dental whitening or hearing protection!
