About Free State Health Insurance in New York

New York State provides free and low-cost health insurance to residents who don't have access to coverage from their employer or can't afford to purchase insurance on the private market. A number of publicly financed health insurance programs are available for income-eligible New Yorkers. Most programs require a monthly premium or copayment at the time services are delivered, but for those with very low incomes free coverage is available.

Child Health Plus

• Child Health Plus is New York's version of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. It's a federal- and state-funded program that provides children under the age of 19 health coverage when their parents either can't afford private coverage or make too much to qualify for Medicaid. The Child Health Plan offers children comprehensive coverage that includes routine check-ups, hospitalization, testing and mental health services, among others. Coverage is free for children of families with incomes less than 1.6 times the federal poverty rate, which is a total annual income of just less than $38,000 per year for a family of four as of 2010. Families making more per year may still be eligible, but must pay anywhere from $9 to $60 per child per month for coverage. The plan doesn't require copayments.

Family Health Plus

• Family Health Plus provides coverage to income-eligible adults ages 19 to 65 who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford private coverage. The program is also open to childless adults, which Medicaid doesn't cover as per federal law. Family Health Plus is a Medicaid waiver program that permits the state to expand coverage to include a larger group of consumers beyond those Medicaid currently covers. Family Health Plus covers most medical services, such as prevention, hospitalization, and prescriptions, in addition to other services. A small fee or copayment is required for some medical services. However, no deductibles are required under the plan, and enrollment is free.

Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP) & Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services (MOMS) Program

• PCAP provides comprehensive prenatal care as well as other medical services to low income women and teens living in New York. To be eligible, the family's income can't exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. PCAP includes routine doctor's visits, hospital care associated with delivery and full care following the baby's delivery for the mother for two months or longer. In addition, PCAP provides full health coverage to the baby for up to one year. For women who live in areas of the state where PCAP isn't offered, there's another program, Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services (MOMS) program, which is available. PCAP and MOMS provide care at no cost.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a federal-funded state-matched health insurance program for poor New Yorkers who can't afford health insurance. Net income for qualifying families of four is $17,420 per year or $1,452 per month as of 2010. It offers complete health benefits to those who qualify, although some services may require a copayment. However, if you elect to join a Medicaid managed care plan-an option available in some counties-you don't have to pay a copayment for services and you're entitled to the same benefits as those covered in the standard Medicaid program.

HIV Uninsured Program

• New York Department of Health AIDS Institute developed four programs each providing access to free health care for uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers infected by HIV. The four programs are: AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), (ADAP) ADAP Plus, HIV Home Care Program and ADAP Plus Insurance Continuation Program. The ADAP provides free drug assistance to aid in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. ADAP Plus offers free primary care services at participating clinics, hospitals, and other providers statewide. The HIV Home Care Program provides home-based care for those who are homebound as a result of the disease. The ADAP Plus Insurance Continuation Program covers a portion of the cost commercial plans don't pay for treatment and medical services required with people infected by HIV/AIDS.