# Health care and insurance

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/

Doctors, medicines and insurance in New York if you have little money or no status.

This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Information as of November 2026. Insurance rules change in 2026 and 2027.

QARAVAN does not provide medical or legal services. Decisions about your case are made by doctors, clinics and government agencies.

## Start here

- If your life is in danger, call [911](tel:911) or go to an emergency room (ER): the hospital must treat you whatever your insurance or status.
- Thoughts of suicide: call or text [988](tel:988). Possible HIV exposure: PEP must start within 72 hours; call [844-373-7692](tel:8443737692) or go to an ER.
- No insurance: NYC Care gives you a regular doctor at city hospitals and clinics, you pay by income, from $0, and your status is not recorded. You can sign up at any NYC Health + Hospitals hospital or clinic.

- [**1** Urgent medical care](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/urgent-care/)
- [**2** A doctor without insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/no-insurance/)
- [**3** Insurance: Medicaid, the Essential Plan and NY State of Health](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/insurance/)
- [**4** Doctors and clinics: our members' experience](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/community-doctors/)
- [**5** Sexual health: testing for STIs and HIV](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/sexual-health/)
- [**6** PrEP and PEP: medicine that protects against HIV](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/prep-pep/)
- [**7** Living with HIV: treatment and help](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/hiv-care/)
- [**8** Health care for trans people](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/trans-health/)
- [**9** Medical bills](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/medical-bills/)
- [**10** Medicines, dental and eye care](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/medicines-dental-eye/)
- [**11** Dentists and eye doctors: our members' experience](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/community-dentists-eye/)
- [**12** A doctor's report for an asylum case](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/asylum-medical-evidence/)
- [**13** The green card medical exam (Form I-693)](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/immigration-medical-exam/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/legislation/emergency-me…](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/legislation/emergency-medical-treatment-labor-act)
- [regs.health.ny.gov/node/46866](https://regs.health.ny.gov/node/46866)
- [nyc.gov/html/hhc/downloads/pdf/hhc-patient-bill-of-rights.pdf](https://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/downloads/pdf/hhc-patient-bill-of-rights.pdf)
- [expresscare.nyc](https://expresscare.nyc/)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/poison-control.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/poison-control.page)
- [nyccare.nyc](https://www.nyccare.nyc/)
- [nyccare.nyc/faq](https://www.nyccare.nyc/faq/)
- [nyccare.nyc/enroll](https://www.nyccare.nyc/enroll/)
- [access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-care](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-care/)
- [portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03254](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03254)
- [callen-lorde.org/faq](https://callen-lorde.org/faq/)
- [callen-lorde.org/register](https://callen-lorde.org/register/)
- [callen-lorde.org/contact](https://callen-lorde.org/contact/)
- [callen-lorde.org/quick-care](https://callen-lorde.org/quick-care/)
- [callen-lorde.org/coin](https://callen-lorde.org/coin/)
- [callen-lorde.org/hott](https://callen-lorde.org/hott/)
- [callen-lorde.org/trans-health](https://callen-lorde.org/trans-health/)
- [callen-lorde.org/insurance-enrollment](https://callen-lorde.org/insurance-enrollment/)
- [callen-lorde.org/sexual-health-clinic/pep](https://callen-lorde.org/sexual-health-clinic/pep/)
- [callen-lorde.org/sexual-health-clinic/prep](https://callen-lorde.org/sexual-health-clinic/prep/)
- [callen-lorde.org/sexual-health-clinic/doxypep](https://callen-lorde.org/sexual-health-clinic/doxypep/)
- [callen-lorde.org/mpox](https://callen-lorde.org/mpox/)
- [callen-lorde.org/pharmacy](https://callen-lorde.org/pharmacy/)
- [callen-lorde.org/dental](https://callen-lorde.org/dental/)
- [vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-studen…](https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-student-affairs/vp-s-club/clubs-and-organizations/student-run-clinics/q-clinic)
- [vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-studen…](https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-student-affairs/vp-s-club/clubs-and-organizations/student-run-clinics/q-clinic/our-services)
- [vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-studen…](https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-student-affairs/vp-s-club/clubs-and-organizations/student-run-clinics/q-clinic/contact-us)
- [plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-…](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-care/paying-for-care)
- [plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-…](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-care/our-services/transgender-services)
- [plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-…](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-care/our-services)
- [brooklynplaza.org/paying-for-care](https://www.brooklynplaza.org/paying-for-care/)
- [brooklynplaza.org/contact](https://www.brooklynplaza.org/contact/)
- [chnnyc.org/centers](https://www.chnnyc.org/centers/)
- [chnnyc.org/service/dental-care](https://www.chnnyc.org/service/dental-care/)
- [settlementhealth.org](https://settlementhealth.org/)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/services/immunization-clinics.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/immunization-clinics.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/services/tuberculosis-chest-centers.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/tuberculosis-chest-centers.page)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/emergency_me…](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/emergency_medical_condition_faq.htm)
- [nyc.gov/assets/ochia/downloads/pdf/fly-957-emergency-medicaid-…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/ochia/downloads/pdf/fly-957-emergency-medicaid-english.pdf)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/news/press-release-new-york-state-…](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/news/press-release-new-york-state-department-health-announces-open-enrollment-2027-coverage)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/EssentialPlan](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/EssentialPlan)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/news/information-essential-plan-en…](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/news/information-essential-plan-enrollees-about-changes-due-federal-rules)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ChildHealthPlus](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ChildHealthPlus)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/Medicaid](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/Medicaid)
- [access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid/)
- [access.nyc.gov/programs/essential-plan](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/essential-plan/)
- [smhttp-ssl-58547.nexcesscdn.net/nycss/NYS_Immigrant_Health_Cov…](http://smhttp-ssl-58547.nexcesscdn.net/nycss/NYS_Immigrant_Health_Coverage_(UPDATED_10126)_(1).pdf)
- [cssny.org/pages/hr1-federal-laws-policy-affecting-new-yorkers-…](https://www.cssny.org/pages/hr1-federal-laws-policy-affecting-new-yorkers-health-insurance-roadmap)
- [humanrights.weill.cornell.edu/resources/medicaid-resources](https://humanrights.weill.cornell.edu/resources/medicaid-resources)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/health-insurance.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/health-insurance.page)
- [communityhealthadvocates.org/who-we-are/what-we-do](https://communityhealthadvocates.org/who-we-are/what-we-do/)
- [communityhealthadvocates.org/contact-us/help-russian](https://communityhealthadvocates.org/contact-us/help-russian/)
- [communityhealthadvocates.org/healthcareqa/resolving-medical-bi…](https://communityhealthadvocates.org/healthcareqa/resolving-medical-bills/)
- [communityhealthadvocates.org/healthcareqa/resolving-medical-bi…](https://communityhealthadvocates.org/healthcareqa/resolving-medical-bills/resolving-medical-bills-when-uninsured/)
- [communityhealthadvocates.org/healthcareqa/resolving-medical-bi…](https://communityhealthadvocates.org/healthcareqa/resolving-medical-bills/resolving-medical-bills-with-medicaid-or-medicare/)
- [communityhealthadvocates.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Findin…](https://communityhealthadvocates.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Finding-Low-cost-Care-FINAL-6-18-26.pdf)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/facilities/hospital/financial_ass…](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/facilities/hospital/financial_assist/)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/facilities/hospital/financial_ass…](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/facilities/hospital/financial_assist/docs/25-04_hospital_financial_assistance.pdf)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-5841_ru.pdf](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-5841_ru.pdf)
- [uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-3](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-3)
- [govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-20/html/2026-14539.htm](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-20/html/2026-14539.htm)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/government-benefits/what-you-need-to-…](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/government-benefits/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-public-charge-rule-2026/)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/government-benefits](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/government-benefits/)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/government-benefits/what-you-need-to-…](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/government-benefits/what-you-need-to-know-about-medicaid-coverage-transition-related-care/)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/sexual-health-clinics.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/post-exposure-prophylaxi…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/post-exposure-prophylaxis-pep.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/pre-exposure-prophylaxis…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep.page)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/prep/docs/p…](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/prep/docs/prep_payment_options.pdf)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/a…](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/adap/index.htm)
- [healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/a…](https://healthweb-back.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/adap/eligibility.htm)
- [nyc.gov/site/hra/help/hiv-aids-services.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/hiv-aids-services.page)
- [bplc.cssny.org/pbm/cash-benefits/hivaids-services-administrati…](https://bplc.cssny.org/pbm/cash-benefits/hivaids-services-administration/overview)
- [uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-6](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-6)
- [hhinternet.blob.core.windows.net/uploads/2026/06/Web-2026-Prid…](https://hhinternet.blob.core.windows.net/uploads/2026/06/Web-2026-Pride-Health-Services-Brochure_ENG.pdf)
- [dental.columbia.edu/patient-care/teaching-clinics/emergency-care](https://www.dental.columbia.edu/patient-care/teaching-clinics/emergency-care)
- [dental.columbia.edu/patient-care/patient-resources](https://www.dental.columbia.edu/patient-care/patient-resources)
- [dental.columbia.edu/teaching-clinics/general-and-specialty-den…](https://www.dental.columbia.edu/teaching-clinics/general-and-specialty-dentistry-clinic)
- [dental.nyu.edu/patientcare.html](https://dental.nyu.edu/patientcare.html)
- [universityeyecenter.org](https://www.universityeyecenter.org/)
- [universityeyecenter.org/my-account-information/patient-financi…](https://www.universityeyecenter.org/my-account-information/patient-financial-services/)
- [humanrights.weill.cornell.edu/request-evaluation](https://humanrights.weill.cornell.edu/request-evaluation)
- [humanrights.weill.cornell.edu/resources/asylum-examinations](https://humanrights.weill.cornell.edu/resources/asylum-examinations)
- [uscis.gov/i-693](https://www.uscis.gov/i-693)
- [uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/findi…](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/finding-a-medical-doctor)
- [uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons](https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons)
- [uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirem…](https://www.uscis.gov/tools/designated-civil-surgeons/vaccination-requirements)
- [uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-4](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-b-chapter-4)
- [nychealthandhospitals.org/financial-assistance](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/financial-assistance/)
- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page)
- [expresscare.nyc/faq](https://expresscare.nyc/faq/)
- [uscis.gov/about-us](https://www.uscis.gov/about-us)
- [nyc.gov/site/dhs/index.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dhs/index.page)
- [justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program)
- [nyccare.nyc/manage-your-care](https://www.nyccare.nyc/manage-your-care/)
- [callen-lorde.org/text2refill](https://callen-lorde.org/text2refill)
- [patientaccess.dental.nyu.edu/Request](https://patientaccess.dental.nyu.edu/Request)
- [nychealthandhospitals.org/services/language-assistance](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/language-assistance/)
- [cssny.org/programs/entry/community-health-advocates](https://www.cssny.org/programs/entry/community-health-advocates)
- [info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/questions-about-language-access](https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/questions-about-language-access)
- [nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/language_services_en.shtml](https://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/language_services_en.shtml)
- [nyc.gov/assets/home/downloads/pdf/311/Local-Law-30.pdf](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/home/downloads/pdf/311/Local-Law-30.pdf)
- [legalservicesnyc.org/get-help-with-a-legal-issue](https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/get-help-with-a-legal-issue/)
- [gileadadvancingaccess.com](https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/)
- [chnnyc.org/appointments](https://www.chnnyc.org/appointments/)
- [npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5665009](https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5665009)
- [988lifeline.org/faq/calling-the-988-lifeline/faq-is-the-988-li…](https://988lifeline.org/faq/calling-the-988-lifeline/faq-is-the-988-lifeline-available-in-other-languages-for-non-english-speakers/)
- [nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/public_information/nypd-lang…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/public_information/nypd-language-access-plan-2022-August.pdf)
- [stateline.org/2026/01/20/ice-is-using-medicaid-data-to-find-ou…](https://stateline.org/2026/01/20/ice-is-using-medicaid-data-to-find-out-where-immigrants-live/)
- [floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/31/repub/states-say-ice-pulled-medi…](https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/31/repub/states-say-ice-pulled-medicaid-data-despite-court-order/)