# A doctor without insurance

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/no-insurance/

How to get care in New York without insurance: NYC Care, clinics that charge by income, a free clinic for LGBTQ+ people, and Emergency Medicaid for people without status.

## Start here

- If you got emergency care and have no status, apply for Emergency Medicaid within three months of treatment. You don't need a Social Security number (SSN).
- To get a regular doctor, sign up for NYC Care at any NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) hospital or clinic. You pay by income, from $0, and no one asks about your immigration status.
- If you are LGBTQ+ and have no money, Q Clinic sees people for free on Wednesday evenings, by appointment, with no ID or insurance.

## A regular doctor through NYC Care

NYC Care is a City program for residents of all five boroughs who have no insurance through work and don't qualify for, or can't afford, any state plan. It is not insurance: it gives you access to City hospitals and clinics.

1. Understand what you get A member card, your own doctor, low-cost medicines, regular and preventive care, women's health, eye exams and glasses prescriptions, specialists, mental health care, help with alcohol, tobacco and other substance use, and help with housing and food. All at H+H hospitals and clinics.
2. Sign up Go to any H+H hospital or clinic or an NYC Care partner in your area: addresses are on [nyccare.nyc](https://nyccare.nyc). H+H has interpreters in 250+ languages and dialects.
3. Gather your documents ID (a passport, IDNYC, a driver's license, a foreign ID, a green card or a work permit), proof of income and proof of address. If you are missing a document, come anyway: they will tell you what can replace it.
4. Choose a doctor and book a visit Your provider can be a doctor, a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Book in MyChart, at [mychart.nychealthandhospitals.org](https://mychart.nychealthandhospitals.org) or in the app: sign in and send an appointment request to your provider.
5. Find out what you will pay You pay by income and family size, from $0. There are no membership fees or monthly payments. While your NYC Care or other financial help application is being reviewed, you are not asked to pay the bill. If a bill comes anyway, ask for a financial counselor.
6. NYC Care does not ask about your immigration status According to the City's ACCESS NYC guide, NYC Care does not ask about status. NYC Health + Hospitals says applications are protected and nothing is shared with immigration agencies.
7. Renew once a year A financial counselor reviews you every 12 months. You can renew no earlier than 30 days before the date on your card ("effective through"), with the same documents.

## Compared

Four ways to get care without insurance

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## Clinics without insurance

An FQHC (federally qualified health center) is a community clinic with public funding that charges by income.

- NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) Any status Price depends on income City hospitals and clinics in all five boroughs treat any resident whatever their status, insurance or money. With no insurance or no way to pay, apply for NYC Care or financial help: in MyChart (Billing, then Financial Assistance) or on a paper form (also in Russian). You are not asked to pay the bill while the application is reviewed. On the phone, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [1-844-692-4692](tel:18446924692) [nychealthandhospitals.org](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/) appointment line 24/7
- NYC Care NYC residents Price depends on income For people who can't get or afford insurance. Membership is free, services are priced by income, no one asks about status, and nothing goes to immigration agencies. Callen-Lorde does not take NYC Care. [nyccare.nyc](https://www.nyccare.nyc/faq/)
- Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center Any status Price depends on income An FQHC in Brooklyn with two sites: family medicine, dentistry, gynecology, allergy and immunology, podiatry, and the Rising Heights program for people with HIV. They help you get insurance, charge on a sliding scale and offer payment plans. For the sliding scale bring the application, your last three pay stubs (or a tax return, or a benefits letter), proof of address (a utility bill, a lease or an official letter) and photo ID. Discounted medicines through the 340B program at partner pharmacies. Second site: Medical Center at Benjamin Banneker Academy, 77 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205, Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm. [brooklynplaza.org](https://www.brooklynplaza.org/paying-for-care/) 1089 President Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225; Medical Center at Benjamin Banneker Academy, 77 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205 1089 President Street: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8 am–5 pm; Tue 8 am–8 pm; Sat 9 am–5 pm; Sun closed. 77 Clinton Avenue: Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm
- Community Healthcare Network (CHN) Any status Price depends on income New York's largest network of community health centers (FQHC); it turns no one away. Dentistry, eye exams, LGBTQ+ care, PrEP and PEP, HIV and hepatitis care, a refugee program, walk-in visits. Centers in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx, for example CHN East New York Health Center, 999 Blake Avenue, Brooklyn. New patients book by phone; you can also visit the nearest center in person (addresses at [chnnyc.org/centers](https://chnnyc.org/centers)). [chnnyc.org](https://www.chnnyc.org/centers/) CHN East New York Health Center, 999 Blake Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208
- Settlement Health Any status Price depends on income Community health centers in East Harlem that treat you whether or not you can pay. Care in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages. On the phone, say "Russian" and ask for an interpreter. [(212) 360-2600](tel:2123602600) [settlementhealth.org](https://settlementhealth.org/) 212 E. 106th Street, New York, NY
- Callen-Lorde Any status Price depends on income A health center for LGBTQ+ people: primary care, trans care, PrEP, PEP and HIV care. Fees on an income scale, nothing paid in advance, no one turned away for not being able to pay. Every site offers an interpreter, Russian included. They take Medicaid, the Essential Plan and many other plans, but not NYC Care. Call and say "Russian": a Russian interpreter is provided on request. [(212) 271-7200](tel:2122717200) [callen-lorde.org](https://callen-lorde.org/faq/) 356 West 18th St, New York, NY 10011 (Chelsea); 40 Flatbush Ave Ext, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 555 Bergen Ave, 4th Floor, Bronx, NY 10455
- Q Clinic (Columbia University) Any status Free A free clinic of Columbia University Irving Medical Center medical students, supervised by doctors. It sees anyone from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut but is built for LGBTQ+ people. No ID, insurance or money needed: the clinic covers care, tests and medicines. Primary care, hormone therapy, STI and HIV testing, PrEP, help applying for Medicaid. Wednesdays 6:30–7:45 pm. To book, text or call [347-565-5042](tel:3475655042) (Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm) or email qclinic@columbia.edu. You can also walk in, but a provider may not be free. Third floor, no elevator; Zoom visits available. [vagelos.columbia.edu](https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/student-resources/office-student-affairs/vp-s-club/clubs-and-organizations/student-run-clinics/q-clinic/our-services) Metropolitan Community Church of New York, 446 W 36th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY Wed 6:30–7:45 pm
- Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Any status Price depends on income Reproductive and sexual health care for everyone whatever their age, orientation, gender identity, status or money: birth control, treatment for urinary tract infections and herpes, emergency contraception, abortion pills. Services vary by center. Without insurance you must get a written cost estimate (Good Faith Estimate); if the bill is $400 or more above it, you can dispute it. You can book online. [plannedparenthood.org](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-care/paying-for-care)
- NYC Health Department Chest Centers (tuberculosis) Any status Free City centers test and treat tuberculosis (TB) for free or at low cost, don't ask about status and don't require insurance. By appointment; results are usually given in person only. Tests, X-rays and medicines on the day of the visit are free. They don't do TB tests for work or school. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/tuberculosis-chest-centers.page) Fort Greene Chest Center, 295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm
- Fort Greene Health Center Immunization Clinic Any status Price depends on income A City vaccine clinic for everyone aged 4 and up, whatever their status. With insurance, they bill the plan; without it, they ask for a fee on an income scale, but you don't pay on the spot and you will be seen without money. Bring your vaccination record. Go in person: City agencies must give you a free interpreter. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/immunization-clinics.page) 295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, 5th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Mon–Fri 8:30 am–3 pm, walk-ins if there is room

## No status: Emergency Medicaid

Emergency Medicaid (in state documents, Medicaid Emergency Services Only, ESO) pays for emergency treatment for people with no status or a temporary visa and a low income. It is not full insurance.

1. Find out what is covered Treatment of a sudden condition with acute symptoms (including severe pain) where, without immediate care, your health would be seriously harmed. This includes emergency childbirth, dialysis, medicines needed in the emergency and some cancer medicines. It does not include home care, rehabilitation, ongoing care of chronic illness or transplants.
2. Check whether you qualify A low income, proof of identity and residence in New York State (not required with a temporary visa). No SSN needed.
3. Apply You can apply at the hospital, during or after treatment, through a financial counselor, but no later than three months after treatment. Under 65, you can also apply on the NY State of Health website. People 65 and older and people with disabilities need a different application, through the City's benefits agency HRA (Human Resources Administration): online at [a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra](https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra) or in person at a Medicaid office. You can also apply in advance: approval lasts 12 months.
4. Remember the time limits The first approval lasts up to 15 months: up to three months back from the application date and up to 12 ahead. Since February 2026, the state has been removing people under 65 who got Emergency Medicaid through NY State of Health, have had it for at least six months and have not used any services in the last six months. If that happens, you can apply again.
5. If you have an immigration case, ask a lawyer first Know the risk. Since January 6, 2026, under a federal court ruling, Medicaid may give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, which includes ICE) basic information about people without legal status: status, address, phone number and date of birth. Medical information may not be shared, and states including New York are challenging in court whether more was handed over than allowed. A hospital must give you emergency care either way. The public charge rule in force since September 18, 2026 does not apply to a green card through asylum or refugee status. If you are unsure whether to apply, call the City's free MOIA line: [800-354-0365](tel:8003540365), say "Russian". They will tell you where to talk to a lawyer for free.

## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations

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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.

[All pages: Health care and insurance](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/health/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [nyccare.nyc](https://www.nyccare.nyc/)
- [nyccare.nyc/faq](https://www.nyccare.nyc/faq/)
- [callen-lorde.org/faq](https://callen-lorde.org/faq/)
- [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)
- [plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-…](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york/get-care/paying-for-care)
- [brooklynplaza.org/paying-for-care](https://www.brooklynplaza.org/paying-for-care/)
- [chnnyc.org/centers](https://www.chnnyc.org/centers/)
- [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)