Key Takeaways for 2025
- NYC Care is the Gold Standard: It is not insurance, but a guarantee of low-cost care at public hospitals for those who cannot get insurance.
- Sliding Scales are Mandatory: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) must charge you based on your income, not the sticker price.
- Immigration Status is Protected: Using NYC Care or H+H facilities does not trigger public charge rules for most preventative care, and data is not shared with federal immigration enforcement.
- The “200% Rule”: As of late 2025, H+H fees for those earning under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are generally $0 for clinic visits.
NYC healthcare for the uninsured is primarily defined by the NYC Care program and the city’s robust network of sliding-scale public clinics. Unlike private healthcare, this system ensures that New Yorkers—regardless of immigration status or ability to pay—can access primary care, prescription drugs, and specialty services through the NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) network and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
Whether you are a freelance creative in Bushwick, a new arrival in Jackson Heights, or a gig worker in the Bronx, you do not need to suffer through illness because you lack private insurance. This guide strips away the bureaucracy to show you exactly how to see a doctor in NYC without going bankrupt.
1. The Public Option: NYC Care
If you take one thing from this article, let it be this: NYC Care.
Launched to bridge the gap for the roughly 300,000 New Yorkers ineligible for health insurance, this is a “health care access program.” It is crucial to understand that this is not insurance. You cannot take an NYC Care card to a private doctor on the Upper East Side. However, it unlocks the massive resources of the public hospital system.
Who is Eligible?
- You must live in one of the five boroughs.
- You must not qualify for other health insurance (like Medicaid or the Essential Plan).
- You cannot afford other health insurance.
This makes it the primary option for undocumented immigrants and those in the “coverage gap” (earning too much for Medicaid but too little for private plans). For more on navigating these systems as a non-citizen, read our guide on Navigating NYC’s Healthcare System for Non-Citizens.
The Cost (2025 Update)
Fees are determined by a “sliding scale” based on your household size and income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). As of late 2025, the H+H financial assistance thresholds are:
- 0% – 200% FPL: $0 copay for primary care, specialty care, and labs.
- Above 200% FPL: Modest copays apply (e.g., roughly $20–$30 for a clinic visit).
If you are a single person earning less than approximately $31,000 annually, your visits are generally free.
How to Enroll
You can enroll at any NYC Health + Hospitals location. Call 1-646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692-2273) to start. You will need proof of identity and residency (a utility bill or an IDNYC card works perfectly).
2. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
If you are not near a major public hospital, your next best option is an FQHC. These are community-based centers receiving federal funding to serve underserved areas. By law, they must offer a sliding fee scale.
Why Choose an FQHC?
- Neighborhood Based: They are often smaller and less intimidating than massive hospitals.
- Holistic Care: Many offer dental, mental health, and pharmacy services under one roof.
- No “Public Charge” Risk: Like NYC Care, using these clinics for preventative care is generally safe for immigration purposes.
Major NYC Networks
- The Institute for Family Health: Locations in Manhattan (Harlem/Union Square) and the Bronx.
- Ryan Health: Strong presence in the Upper West Side and Lower East Side.
- Community Healthcare Network (CHN): extensive clinics in Brooklyn and Queens.
- Callen-Lorde: Specializes in LGBTQ+ health but serves all regardless of insurance.
You can locate the nearest center using the federal HRSA Find a Health Center tool.
3. Comparison: NYC Care vs. Essential Plan vs. Emergency Medicaid
Understanding where you fit is critical. Use this table to determine your likely coverage path in 2025.
| Program | Who is it for? | Cost | Scope of Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC Care | Uninsured NYC residents (including undocumented) ineligible for Medicaid/Essential Plan. | $0 – $50 (Sliding Scale). | Comprehensive (Primary, Specialty, Rx) ONLY at H+H facilities. |
| Essential Plan (EP) | Low-income citizens & legal residents (Green Card < 5 yrs). DACA recipients (as of 2024). | $0 Monthly Premium. | Full Insurance (accepted by many private doctors/hospitals). |
| Emergency Medicaid | Undocumented immigrants or those with temporary status. | $0 for qualifying emergencies. | Strictly for life-threatening emergencies (ER visits). No primary care. |
| FQHC Sliding Scale | Anyone (insured or uninsured). | Based on income. | Primary care, dental, mental health. |
Note: If you are legally present but cannot afford private insurance, check if you qualify for the Essential Plan via the NY State of Health Marketplace.
4. Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care
If you have a life-threatening emergency (chest pain, severe injury, difficulty breathing), go to the nearest Emergency Room. Under the federal EMTALA law, hospitals cannot turn you away based on your ability to pay or insurance status.
- Public Hospitals (H+H): Will screen you for Emergency Medicaid or financial assistance (H+H Options) immediately.
- Private Hospitals: Must stabilize you, but they may bill you aggressively afterward if you are not eligible for Emergency Medicaid.
Warning on CityMD/Urgent Care: Most private urgent care chains (like CityMD) require upfront payment or credit card information if you are uninsured. Expect to pay $150–$300 per visit out of pocket. For non-emergencies, stick to H+H clinics or FQHCs.
5. Mental Health and Prescriptions
Healthcare isn’t just about broken bones. For mental health support, many FQHCs have integrated behavioral health departments. Additionally, NYC Care members have access to low-cost prescriptions at H+H pharmacies.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, check our specific guide on Mental Health & Wellness Resources in NYC for a list of crisis hotlines and counseling centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NYC Care considered “Public Charge”?
Generally, no. Using NYC Care for health services is not considered a negative factor in a public charge test for green card applications, unlike cash assistance. However, laws change, so always consult an immigration attorney for your specific case.
Can I use NYC Care at a private hospital like Mount Sinai or NYU?
No. NYC Care is strictly for the NYC Health + Hospitals system (e.g., Bellevue, Elmhurst, Kings County, Lincoln). If you go to a private hospital, you will not be covered by NYC Care fees.
What documents do I need to apply for a sliding scale clinic?
You typically need: 1) Proof of Identity (Passport, IDNYC, Consular ID), 2) Proof of NYC Residency (Lease, mail, utility bill), and 3) Proof of Income (Pay stubs, letter from employer, or a self-attestation letter if paid in cash).
For more tips on settling into the city, including finding affordable clinics for newcomers or understanding city services, explore our complete guide to city bureaucracy.
Staying healthy is just one part of a secure trip; staying safe on the streets is just as vital. Check out our NYC Safety Guide 2026: Essential Tips for Every Traveler to navigate the city with total confidence.
