Health insurance for children

Children under 19 years old can get free or low-cost medical care through Child Health Plus (CHP) and Children’s Medicaid.

Care is available through dozens of providers throughout the state of New York.
Coverage is available through Child Health Plus regardless of immigration status.

Who is eligible

Your child may be eligible for CHP or Children’s Medicaid if they are:

Under 19 years old
A resident of New York State
Not covered by other health insurance (for Child Health Plus)

Eligibility and the cost of each program also depend on your family’s income. Check the income charts on the New York State website to learn more.

How to apply

Apply through the NYS of Health Marketplace
Apply at your participating community-based organization
If you would like someone to assist you in applying, call 800-698-4543 to get help from enrollers in your community
If your child is blind or has a disability, you must apply through the NYC Human Resources Administration by calling 718-557-1399
Apply with GetCoveredNYC in the five boroughs

How to get help

Call 800-698-4543 for help applying
You can also text “CoveredNYC” to 877-877 to get free enrollment help near you
Visit the NYS Department of Health website for more information
Find a doctor near you. You can search by name, specialty or location.

Other Health Programs

Lifestyle Medicine Program

NYC Health and Hospitals (H+H)

Help to prevent and treat common chronic conditions

Lifestyle medicine for those living with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health concerns.

Health Insurance Assistance

NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA); NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH)

Low-cost and free health insurance

Get help understanding your affordable health insurance options and enrolling in a plan.

NYC Care

NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H+H)

No cost or low-cost healthcare access

Comprehensive health care for all NYC residents, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.

Updated March 1, 2022

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Growing Up NYC is maintained by the The Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity and The NYC Children's Cabinet

Learn More

The Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity uses evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity. It advances research, data and design in the City’s program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions. Learn more at nyc.gov/opportunity.

The NYC Children’s Cabinet seeks to drive coordination across city agencies; develop new partnerships; and facilitate a holistic approach to serving children by aligning policies affecting children’s health, safety, and well-being. Learn more at nyc.gov/childrenscabinet.