- Doctor visits
- X-Rays and Lab Tests
- Prescription Drugs
- Mental and Behavioral Health Services
- Immunizations
- Hospital Care
- And More…
You may qualify for no-cost and low-cost health insurance options including:
Medicaid provides free health insurance for adults and children with low income.
Child Health Plus provides free or low-cost health insurance to children under the age of 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid and do not have other health insurance coverage, regardless of their immigration status.
Essential Plan offers quality health insurance to working adults, aged 19 to 64 years old, with lower incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid
Qualified Health Plans are private health insurance plans. They provide essential health benefits and follow established limits on cost-sharing (like deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum amounts), and meet other requirements under the Affordable Care Act. The American Rescue Plan expanded financial assistance to lower your monthly premiums for Qualified Health Plans when you enroll through NY State of Health.
Choosing a Plan
When picking a health insurance plan, make sure you think about the benefits, doctors and other providers, prescription drugs you need, and the cost of coverage. Coverage costs include the monthly premium and out of pocket expenses, such as copayments, deductibles and coinsurance.
If you look for a plan on NY State of Health, you can choose between four levels of plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Download the Fact Sheet on Health Plan Metal Tiers to understand the difference.
Low Cost Care
If you do not qualify or cannot afford any of the free or low-cost available health insurance options, you can find out about programs to help lower costs of medical care, prescription drugs, other care, and health care facilities that offer discounted fee programs based on your income and ability to pay.
NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Care Services
- Primary and Preventive Care
- Women’s Health
- Medications 24/7
- Eye Care and Glasses
- Specialty Care
- Mental Health
- Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use
- Support Services for housing, food, and nutrition help
Enroll in NYC Care
- Call 646-692-2273
- Visit a NYC Health + Hospitals location
Youth Health
NYC Health + Hospitals provides services for young adults regardless of your ability to pay, immigration status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- YouthHealth Services
- Primary Care Services
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
- Mental health and Depression Help
- LGBTQ Care
- Healthy Weight Management
- Sports Physical & Sports Injury Care
DACA and Public Charge
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration policy that helps undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as young people. DACA provides eligible undocumented immigrants with temporary protection from deportation and access to work authorization. DACA recipients can qualify for Medicaid, Essential Plan and, beginning November 1, 2024, Qualified Health Plans, if they meet the eligibility requirements.
In compliance with a court order of a United States District Court, and effective Dec. 7, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is:
- Accepting first-time requests for consideration of deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA);
- Accepting DACA renewal requests;
- Accepting applications for advance parole documents;
- Extending one-year grants of deferred action under DACA to two years; and
- Extending one-year employment authorization documents under DACA to two years
On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take appropriate action to preserve and fortify DACA, consistent with applicable law. Read More
Generally, “public charge” has referred to the concept that a person is primarily dependent on the government for assistance. The Trump Administration, with the 2019 Public Charge rule, expanded the definition of public charge from primarily dependency on the government to mere receipt of benefits, such as SNAP, Cash Assistance, Federal Medicaid (with some exceptions), Section 8 Vouchers and Project-based rental assistance, and certain Public Housing programs. The Trump Administration also added a test that weighed a variety of factors, including age, health, income, resources, education and skills, employment.
Consistent with President Biden’s Executive Order 14012 which directed review of the Public Charge rule enacted in 2019, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would not pursue appeals of federal court decisions invalidating the rule. On March 9, 2021, the Department of Justice withdrew its opposition to a federal court order that invalidated the Public Charge rule as well as other federal court appeals, allowing that order to take effect nationwide. DHS published a final rule on removing the 2019 Public Charge rule from immigration regulations and issued a new Public Charge rule effective December 23, 2022. Additional information is available on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Public Charge Resource Page.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sexual and reproductive health services are important to your overall health. New York State provides free sexual and reproductive health services for New Yorkers through the Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP).FPBP is a free and confidential New York State program that provides family planning services to teens, women and men who meet certain eligibility requirements, and who are not enrolled in Medicaid.
Individuals who are uninsured, have private health insurance coverage, or are enrolled in the Child Health Plus program and are seeking confidential services can apply for FPBP.
Individuals who already have Medicaid coverage are not eligible for FPBP because confidential reproductive health services are already included in Medicaid. Anyone can request confidentiality for family planning services at the time of service when visiting with a provider.
Health Insurance Lingo
Get the definitions of terms to help you better understand health insurance terms.Here is a list of the most common terms to get you started.
Copayment: A fixed dollar amount you pay at the time of receiving a covered health care service from a participating provider or for a covered prescription drug. The required fee varies by the service provided and by the health plan.
Coinsurance: The portion or percent of health care costs that you’re required to pay. For example, the health insurer or plan may cover 80% of charges for a covered hospitalization, leaving you responsible for the other 20%. This 20% is known as the co-insurance. So, if your hospital bill is $1,000, your insurance plan will pay $800 and you will pay $200.
Deductible: The amount you must pay for covered health care services, before your health plan begins to pay. You typically must pay a deductible each year or when you enroll in a new plan. There may be separate deductibles for different types of services, and some plans have no deductible. Read More
In-network: Doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health care practitioners that contract with your health insurance or plan, to provide you with services and supplies at an agreed upon price (usually a discounted price). Under some health plans, your care is covered only if you receive it from in-network providers.
Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP): The most you pay during a policy period (usually a year) before your health insurance or plan begins to pay 100% of the allowed amount for covered care. Generally, this includes the deductible, coinsurance, and co-payments. This limit never includes your premium, additional charges for care received out-of-network, or health care your plan doesn’t cover.
Out-of-network: Doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health services practitioners who do not have a contract with your health insurance. Out-of-network costs are usually more than in-network charges. Some health plans will not cover any medical care received from out-of-network providers or they will cover only a portion of the bill. Check with your health insurer to understand its rules.
Questions about Benefits?
You have a variety of resources to help you understand your health insurance benefits. The Affordable Care Act required plans to provide an easy-to-understand summary about a health plan’s benefits and coverage.
Insurance Terms A-Z
Insurance terms A-Z is a dictionary that can help you decipher unfamiliar terms when you are reading health insurance documents.Summary of Benefits and Coverage
Insurance companies and job-based health plans must provide you with:
A short, plain-language Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). SBC example. The SBC also includes details, called coverage examples, which show you what the plan would cover in 2 common medical situations: diabetes care and childbirth.
A Uniform Glossary of terms used in health coverage and medical care.Community Health Advocates
Community Health Advocates is New York State’s health care consumer assistance program. CHA helps individuals and small businesses obtain health care services, understand their health insurance and make it work for them. If you need assistance with your health insurance coverage, medical bill or a denial, call CHA at 888-614-5400.
Community Health Advocates (CHA)Community Resources
NYC Abortion Access Hub
The New York City Abortion Access Hub provides confidential help finding an abortion provider, scheduling an appointment, getting financial assistance, and finding transportation and lodging. This help is available regardless of immigration status. You do not need to live in New York City to contact the Abortion Access Hub or receive a referral.
Phone: 1-877-NYC-AHUB (1-877-692-2482)
Live Chat
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Hub does not collect or record any of your identifying information, and your phone number will be hidden.What To Expect
When you contact the Abortion Access Hub, you will be connected to a staff member who will ask you simple questions to assess how far along your pregnancy is, what type of abortion service you prefer, what borough you would like services in, and when.
When you call, you will also be asked if you have health insurance and if you need financial assistance, or help finding lodging and transportation. The Hub can make an appointment for you. Interpretation services are available.
When you use the live chat, you will be asked if you have health insurance. Based on your responses, you will be given a list of providers to call so that you can make your appointment. Chat is only available in English and Spanish.
STI Testing Centers
- The National HIV and STD Testing Resources FindSTDtest.org is a service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This Web site provides users with locations for HIV and STD testing and STD vaccines around the United States
- Google map with location of free HIV testing throughout New York City
* These links are for information usage only. We do not promote or subscribe to any one entity.
Healthy Eating
- Food Pantries in NYC
- Sugary Drink Handout: [English/Español] [English/Français] (PDF)
- Use Your EBT Card at a Farmers Market
Farmers Market Map - No time to eat? GET YOUR HEALTHY EATING PACKET!
- Fruits & Veggies: Small snack, big energy
- Grow NYC: Fresh Food Box Locations
* These links are for information usage only. We do not promote or subscribe to any one entity.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day was first observed on December 1, 1988, to strengthen global efforts to address the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world.
To find out about how you can participate in your campus’ events, please visit one of our Campus Health Services.
Infectious Disease Notification Protocol
From time to time, CUNY students or employees may contract an infectious disease that can be spread through casual contact. In such circumstances, which could impact the health and safety of the CUNY community, students and employees should follow this protocol. If a student or an employee is in doubt whether an infectious disease is covered, he/she should contact the campus Health Services office.
When students contract an infectious disease that can be spread through casual contact, they should immediately report it to the campus Health Services Director. If the campus Health Services Director is unavailable, they should report it to the campus Chief Student Affairs Administrator. If the Student Affairs office is closed, they should report it to the campus Public Safety office. When employees contract an infectious disease that can be spread through casual contact, they should immediately report it to the Director of Human Resources, who is responsible for reporting it to the campus Health Services Director. If the Human Resources office is closed, they should report it to the campus Public Safety office. Employees should also inform their supervisor or department chair.
When a child in the campus Child Care Center contracts an infectious disease, the Child Care Center Director should report it to the campus Health Services Director and to the campus Chief Student Affairs Administrator. If the campus Health Services Director is unavailable and the Student Affairs office is closed, the Child Care Center Director should report it to the campus Public Safety office.
The campus Public Safety office should report cases involving students to the campus Chief Student Affairs Administrator, cases involving employees to the Director of Human Resources, and cases involving a child in the campus Child Care Center to the Health Services Director and to the Chief Student Affairs Administrator.
Please note the following information for _____ College:
- Health Services Director (name, phone, e-mail, room)
- Chief Student Affairs Administrator (name, phone, e-mail, room)
- Director of Human Resources (name, phone, e-mail, room)
- Office of Public Safety (phone, e-mail, room)
Reporting should include as much information as possible, including:
- names of the individuals involved (may be withheld for a child in Child Care Center)
- all available contact information for the individuals involved:
- phone numbers (e.g., cell, home, office)
- e-mail address(es)
- emergency contact information
- classes (indicate if continuing education classes)
- co-curricular activities including clubs and sports
- any other campus contact (e.g., tutoring, campus jobs, work-study, camps)
- residence hall room numbers
- friends and/or faculty members and their respective contact information
- does the individual have a child in the campus child care center
- diagnosis and/or symptoms
- treatment
- campus notification
Members of the University community who become aware of a student or an employee who has contracted an infectious disease that can be spread through casual contact are also encouraged to contact the campus Health Services Director or the Director of Human Resources, as appropriate, with that information.
The campus Health Services Director is responsible for notifying the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (as required), and other appropriate campus officials via e-mail or phone, and for notifying the University Director of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk Management and the University Director of Mental Health and Wellness Services via e-mail to HEALTH-REPORTING@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU. If the Health Services Director is unavailable, the Chief Student Affairs Administrator is responsible for cases involving students and the Director of Human Resources is responsible for cases involving employees.
Confidentiality of personal information, including medical information and the name of the individual, must be respected to the fullest extent possible. Such information shall be disclosed only on a need-to-know basis.
If contact tracking is required, the campus Health Services Director is responsible for coordinating with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the campus Registrar and the Chief Student Affairs Administrator, for students, or the Director of Human Resources, for employees. Once contact tracking is complete, or if contact tracking is not required, the campus Health Services Director must document the tracking or the decision not to track.
Immunization Info
Immunization Requirements
for Post-Secondary AdmissionNew York State Public Health Law 2165 requires all students entering a post-secondary institution to provide their health services center with immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella. This law applies to students born on or after January 1, 1957, who are registered for 6 or more credits at a CUNY campus. Proof of immunity must be documented by a health care practitioner or other acceptable evidence in the following ways:
Measles, otherwise known as rubeola — 2 doses live measles vaccine administered after 12 months of age and at least 30 days apart (exact dates of vaccinations are required);
Mumps, 1 live dose mumps vaccine administered after 12 months of age (exact dates of vaccination is required);
Rubella, also known as German measles –1 live dose mumps vaccine administered after 12 months of age (exact dates of vaccination is required);
Serology (lab) report showing immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. The lab report must be an actual copy showing your immunity to MMR’s.
We will accept any one of the following documentation for your MMR vaccinations:
- A copy of your immunizations (including actual dates) on an official government/ school letterhead — the simplest place to obtain this may be from your most recently attended high school or college; OR
- A copy of your immunizations (including actual dates) on physician’s letterhead, which includes printed name, address and telephone number; OR
- Have a blood test to confirm immunity. Please note: a copy of the lab report must accompany your campus immunization form for acceptance.
New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires all post-secondary institutions to provide information on Meningitis and the Meningitis vaccine to all students registering for six credits or more (or its equivalent). In addition, each institution is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:
- had meningococcal immunization within the past 5 years. The vaccine record is attached.[Note: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all first-year college students up to age 21 years should have at least 1 dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine not more than 5 years before enrollment, preferably on or after their 16th birthday, and that young adults aged 16 through 23 years may choose to receive the Meningococcal B vaccine series. College and university students should discuss the Meningococcal B vaccine with a healthcare provider.]
OR
- read, or have had explained to me, the information regarding meningococcal disease. I (my child) will obtain immunization against meningococcal disease within 30 days from my private health care provider or my local health care facility.
OR
- read, or have had explained to me, the information regarding meningococcal disease. I understand the risks of not receiving the vaccine. I have decided that I (my child) will not obtain immunization against meningococcal disease.
These laws apply to students taking six credits or more regardless if the student is in a degree seeking program or not.
University Immunization Requirements for Incoming Students
Meningitis
In crisis?
Text 741741 to CUNYCUNY has created a special keyword that CUNY students can text to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. Text messaging is easy to access and is key to addressing the unmet mental health needs of CUNY students. Through its partnership with Crisis Text Line, CUNY will help students in crisis manage difficult situations and connect to mental health resources, both on and off campus. If you are a CUNY student who is feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious, text CUNY to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. Share with your friends and classmates who might be interested in using this resource!
Influenza (Flu)
Seasonal influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
These symptoms are usually referred to as “flu-like symptoms.”The Flu Is Contagious
Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.
How The Flu Spreads
The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. (This is called “droplet spread.”) This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Read More
Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands. (Cover Your Cough)
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after handling dirty laundry. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand rub* to clean their hands. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. (Wash Your Hands)
How To Know if You Have the Flu
Your respiratory illness might be the flu if you have sudden onset of body aches, high fever, and respiratory symptoms, and your illness occurs during the usual flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. However, during this time, other respiratory illnesses can cause similar symptoms to the flu. In addition, influenza can also occur outside of the typical flu season. It is impossible to tell for sure if you have the flu based on symptoms alone. Doctors can perform tests to see if you have the flu if you are in the first few days of your illness. Regardless of if you have influenza-like symptoms, it’s best to take care of yourself.
At Risk Groups
Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. Certain individuals are “high risk” and should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get influenza-like symptoms this season. Show Risk Groups
- Children ages 6 months to 24 years (especially children under the age of 2 years old)
- People 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People with any chronic medical conditions that may increase risk of complications from influenza-like symptoms (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.
*Information from CDC and Flu.gov.
Flu Resources
Lactation Services
Bronx CC
Loew Hall Room 105
It is open to students, faculty, and staffBrooklyn College
A Lactation room is available for nursing mothers (faculty, staff and students) in the Early Childhood Center in 1604 James Hall and in the John Whyte Room, 303 Student Center. Open Mon-Thu 8:30am-10:30pm & Fri 8:30am-5:00pm.College of Staten Island
Lactation RoomCity College of NY
City College of NY Lactation Room accommodations are available at Student Health Services, Marshak Science Building, 4th Floor, Room 418-S (Temporary location during renovation) during office hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pmCraig School of Journalism (See Graduate Center)
Graduate Center
A dedicated space has been established at The Graduate Center for mothers to express breast milk for a nursing child. Room 7408, also called the Mothers’ Room, is available to all nursing women students and employees who present a current Graduate Center ID. Those wishing to use the Mothers’ Room should fill out a one-time key request form in the Student Affairs office, Room 7301. Nursing mothers may also use the Child Care Center (until 5 p.m.) for the same purpose, ring the bell for Room 3201.School of Public Health and Public Policy
Lactation Support Room
“All students, faculty, staff and visitors may use the Lactation Support Room in Room 819 where you will find a comfortable chair, a counter, and a refrigerator for storing your milk, snacks and beverages.”School of Labor and Urban Studies
Lactation room is located on the 14th floor – room 1402 during school hours and is open to faculty, staff and studentsSchool of Law
The lactation room, located in room 2-101, is available to students, staff, or faculty who wish to use the room. Please direct inquiries to the Office of Student Affairs, room 5-110, (718) 340-4207 or email studentaffairsoffice@mail.law.cuny.edu. Microsoft Word – Lactation-Policy (1).docx (cuny.edu)School of Professional Studies
Mother’s Room Policy
All students, staff, faculty, and visitors can use the lactation room on the 10th floor opposite the elevator during hours of operation.Stella and Charles Guttman Community College
Guttman has a room dedicated to lactation and will be made available based on availability, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation for the lactation room, please email hr@guttman.cuny.edu.Hostos Community College
Hostos has established the following spaces as available lactation rooms:
· Students: Health Services Office, “A Building” Room A-334C: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm
· Employees: Human Resources Department, “B-Building” Room B-215
To gain access, students should call the Health Services Office at 718-518-6542 and employees should call Human Resources at 718-518-6650 or send an email to CJoseph@hostos.cuny.edu. A response will be given within a “reasonable” amount of time not to exceed five business days.Hunter College
A lactation room is available to Hunter students, faculty, and staff at Brookdale: Room E117 (East Building) is the first room to your right when entering the Rotunda Foyer. For access, guests must first submit an online request form to have their Hunter OneCard authorized for keyless entry. Please specify that your request is for the Brookdale Campus and allow up to 2 business days for your card to be authorized. For questions, contact the OneCard office at 212-650-3191 or onecard@hunter.cuny.edu.Hunter Main Campus
There is a quiet, private space for the exclusive use of nursing mothers and their babies: Room 521 in the West Building has been designated as a lactation room for Hunter faculty, staff, and students. Hunter West 521 can be accessed only through the electronic swipe device outside the room. Mothers who plan to utilize the room should fill out the form found here: OneCard Lactation Room Authorization Form, or go to http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/counseling-and-wellness/wellness (and select “Lactation Room Access” on the navigation menu on the left) so their Hunter ID cards will be encoded for the Lactation Room. Because the space is limited, we must ask that the Lactation Room be used only by nursing mothers and their babies. If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Jajoute at x4336.John Jay College
The Lactation Room is the last door on your right, adjacent to the All-Gender Locker Room. The lactation space locks from the inside, there is a table, chair, access to an electrical outlet and sink. Unfortunately, it does not have a refrigerator. Secure, refrigerated storage is available for students and staff in the Women’s Center for Gender Justice located in room L.67.Kingsborough Community College
Health Center at KBCC as space for lactation open to everyone- students, staff, and visitors. Open 9-5 Mon Thurs Fri 9am-5pm and Tues- Wed 9am-8pmLaGuardia Community College
Students can request/reserve the lactation room in the Wellness Center C building Room 349. Form is on-line. Staff ad faculty must go to HR for sign up sheet on-line to reserve time. Lactation room is in Lower Lobby M building Room MB60 basement. An id is required.Macaulay Honors College (use home campus)
Medgar Evers College
Lactation Room
On campus there are two lactation rooms available to both working and student mothers to use. One is in the Student Building (S-Building) Office of Health Services Room 217 and the other is located in The Center for Women’s Development in the Carroll Street Building (C-Building) Room C-M2.New York City College of Technology
Lactation room is available to students, staff, faculty, and visitors at the Student Wellness Center M, T, W, Th 9am-5:30pm. Located in the Academic Bldg. ALL110Queens College
Our Lactation room is in Kiely 134E. It is open to students, faculty, and staff. Health Services request a form filled out to get the key. Once the key is given, they can access the room and refrigerator during evening hours.Queensborough Community College
Lactation rooms are available in Health Services Mon-Thursday 9am-5pm. Student Activities also have a room for nursing mothers.