What happens if someone in your family needs urgent medical care but doesn’t have insurance?
In New York State, the answer is simple: all hospitals are legally required to treat you in an emergency, regardless of whether you have insurance or what your immigration status.
“There’s no wrong door in terms of where people can get emergency care,” explained Max Hadler, Director of Policy and Immigrant Initiatives at NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
If you don’t have insurance, you should still go to the emergency room if you need care. Hospitals — public or private — are not allowed to ask you to pay before treating you. They also can’t demand immediate payment once you’ve received care.
Also Read: Free and Affordable Healthcare for Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants
In fact, New York hospitals must offer charity care and financial assistance to low-income patients, regardless of their immigration status. So if you’re avoiding the ER out of fear you can’t pay, know that help is available.
What is Emergency Medicaid?
You may qualify for a state program called Emergency Medicaid. This program helps low-income, undocumented, and temporary immigrant New Yorkers cover the cost of emergency medical care.
Keep in mind that this coverage is only for true emergencies — situations where your health is at serious risk without immediate treatment. It doesn’t cover chronic conditions, preventive care, or regular check-ups. For those needs, you’ll need to apply for a different type of health insurance. You can check your options here and if you’re an asylum seeker, here.
Also Read: Health Care Access for Immigrants in New York
Who can apply for Emergency Medicaid?
You don’t need to be a citizen or have legal immigration status to qualify for Emergency Medicaid. The main requirement is your income. According to Hadler, if you earn around $1,800 per month or less as a single adult, you likely qualify. Here is an online tool to look up what are your options are for benefits in New York — including Emergency Medicaid — and determine if you qualify based on your income and family size.
What does Emergency Medicaid cover?
Emergency Medicaid is free. It fully covers the cost of emergency care, including:
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Severe pain or injuries
- Emergency labor and delivery
- Kidney dialysis
- Some cancer medications
When and how to enroll in Emergency Medicaid
You don’t have to be enrolled before your emergency to get help. Hospitals, community clinics, and the health department can help you enroll after you or a family member was treated, and the program can cover care received up to 90 days before you apply.
Still, if you can enroll ahead of time, it’s better. That way, you’ll know you’re covered before anything happens.
Here’s how to apply:
- If you’re under 65: Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
- If you’re 65 or older or have a disability: Call 347-396-4705 for help with your application.
- In an emergency: You can apply at the hospital during or after your visit — just make sure it’s within three months of the date you received care.
- Not sure if you qualify? Call 311 to speak with someone who can guide you.
There’s also free, in-language health insurance enrollment support available to New Yorkers.
Will health care affect your immigration status?
No. Applying for Emergency Medicaid or full Medicaid will not impact your immigration status. It’s not considered a public charge, and your information will not be shared with immigration authorities like ICE or USCIS.
What about children?
Hadler shared one more important message for immigrant families: “All children in New York State are eligible for health insurance — no matter their immigration status. Their coverage may come with different costs based on family income, but no child should go without access to care, whether it’s an emergency or not.” Learn more here about Child Health Plus, which provides free or low-cost health insurance to children under the age of 19 regardless of their immigration status.
