Preventive healthcare is useful for detecting and treating chronic conditions early, especially for people who are middle aged, elderly, or who have certain genetic or environmental risk factors.
Health screenings and annual checkups are an important part of taking care of your physical well-being, and in many cases can help lead to lower medical bills, improve overall quality of life and even prevent death from disease.
Studies show that in the United States, immigrants experience increased risk for chronic disease including certain cancers — and yet, immigrants are also less likely to access preventive healthcare services and screenings which could help detect these issues earlier. Low income or lack of knowledge about or access to health insurance, are some of the top reasons why people say they skip health screenings — but fortunately, New York State offers several low- or no-cost options for people in these situations.
How can I afford preventive screenings?
Having medical insurance through New York State is the easiest way to ensure access to health screenings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and The Essential Plan, will cover breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid: Immigrants with legal status can access Marketplace coverage for Medicaid, which covers a wide range of medical needs including preventive care, dental, vision, mental health treatment, hospital stays and prescription medication.
Emergency Medicaid: Undocumented immigrants aged 19 or older can qualify for Emergency Medicaid, which covers severe illness, emergency childbirth and life-threatening medical situations.
The Essential Plan: Immigrants with legal status, who have a lower income but who may not qualify for Medicaid, can access NY State of Health Marketplace coverage through The Essential Plan. Available coverage is comprehensive, spanning inpatient and outpatient care, screenings, routine exams, prescriptions and more.
What if I don’t qualify for one of those forms of insurance?
There are additional New York-specific avenues for assistance with getting health screenings.
New York State Cancer Services
The New York State Cancer Services program provides an array of preventative health screenings.
- Offerings: Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings
- Who’s eligible: Anyone who lives in New York State, who meets age requirements, regardless of insurance or income level is eligible. For breast cancer screening, patients must be at least 40 years old, or if under 40 they must be at high risk for developing breast cancer. For cervical cancer screening, patients must be at least 40 years old. Patients at age 45 and older can access non-invasive colorectal cancer screening methods, while the colonoscopy is available to younger patients at high risk for colorectal cancer.
- Where/How to apply: Services are provided in local clinics, health centers, doctors’ offices and hospitals across New York State by health care providers who participate in New York’s Cancer Services Program. Find your local practitioner or community location here.
Community Healthcare Network
Community Healthcare Network is a federally qualified health center hub whose mission states that it does not turn patients away based on an inability to pay for services.
- Offerings: Breast, cervical and colon cancer screenings, cardiovascular screening
- Who’s eligible: New York residents, regardless of immigration status
- Where to apply: Book an appointment through their online scheduler or call 866-246-8259
NYC Care
NYC Care is a healthcare access program that offers low or no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for health insurance. It is offered through NYC Health and Hospitals.
- Offerings: All routine screenings, such as Mammograms, colonoscopies, cardiovascular testing, among others.
- Who’s eligible: All New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay
- Where to apply: Call 646-NYC-Care or enroll through one of their community-based partners
Also Read: What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Medical Bill in NYC
What are some important preventative health screenings I should consider getting?
Cervical Cancer Screening
A cervical cancer screening tests for early signs of cervical cancer or changes in the cervix that could turn into cancer over time. It is used to detect these abnormalities before symptoms begin to show, which is when treatment can be most effective. The Pap Smear and the HPV test are the main forms of screening, and sometimes both tests are done together.
Screening guidelines can depend on the patient’s age and medical history, but The American Cancer Society recommends that women should start getting screened at age 25 and continue through at least age 65. Regular screening reduces the likelihood of developing advanced cervical cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of death in adults under 50 years old. And in their latest 2026 survey, nearly half of respondents listed “cost” as a barrier to screening.
A colorectal cancer screening is a test for cancer or precancerous growths (called polyps) in a person’s colon or rectum before symptoms develop. The American Cancer Society recommends routine screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults, though this can vary depending on family history, genetic conditions or symptoms like rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss.
Screening can prevent cancer by detecting and removing any polyps before they get larger. Common screening methods include colonoscopies and non-invasive stool-based tests.
Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)
Breast cancer screenings can detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop, when treatment is more likely to be successful and survival rates are higher. Screening commonly includes mammograms, which is an X-ray of the breast that is used to identify small tumors or abnormalities that may or may not be felt during a physical exam. If detected early enough, more and sometimes less-invasive treatment options can be available.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get a breast cancer screening once every two years, beginning at age 40.
Cardiovascular Disease Screening (Heart Disease)
In the United States, one out of every five deaths is due to heart disease. Screening for heart disease includes checking blood pressure and cholesterol during a regular doctor’s visit. Detecting high blood pressure and cholesterol early, before complications begin, can allow those at risk to make necessary lifestyle changes or start a treatment plan that can reduce the possibility of suffering a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.
Regular screening is especially valuable for adults who have a history of smoking, obesity, or a family track record of heart conditions.
To find out which tests are recommended for someone your age and sex, consult your doctor or use the MyHealthfinder Tool, which is a personalized preventive care guide provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
