Do I have to be a green card holder or citizen to apply for MetroPlusHealth?
No. You do not need to be a green card holder or citizen to qualify for MetroPlusHealth’s Medicaid Managed Care plan.
Immigrants in New York have more health insurance options than in many other states. Applying for health insurance won’t affect your immigration status or application status. Your immigration status won’t be shared with federal immigration authorities.
MetroPlusHealth offers a variety of insurance plans that meet the needs of immigrants who are both documented and undocumented:
ChildHealth Plus: All New York children can get Child Health Plus, regardless of immigration status or income.
Medicaid: Free or very low cost insurance for New Yorkers with low income.
- If you are pregnant, you can get Medicaid regardless of immigration status, as long as you meet other requirements.
- If you are undocumented and not pregnant, you can still get Medicaid for emergency services, as long as you meet other requirements.
- DACAmented New Yorkers with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status can qualify for Medicaid.
EssentialPlan: Free or very low cost insurance for adults with low income who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Immigrants can qualify for Essential Plan right after moving to New York, as long as they have a valid visa or deferred action status. DACA individuals don’t qualify.
Private/Qualified Health Plans: Insurance plans on the NY State of Health Marketplace (financial help is available) and directly from insurance companies. Most immigrants can purchase private plans on the NY State of Health Marketplace. Financial help is available. Anyone can purchase private health insurance directly from an insurance company by calling the insurance company or visiting their website.
To learn more about immigration status requirements in applying for health insurance, check out the Guide to Health Insurance and Health Care Services for Immigrants in New York City.
