For MembersHealth Topics & InformationSocial Determinants of Health Resources

Social Determinants of Health Resources

HELPFUL RESOURCES

IDNYC – IDNYC Is a website dedicated to helping New Yorkers obtain a valid ID. To see the list of required documents and to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call 311 and ask for “ID NYC.” Applications are available in 35 languages.
The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army (Greater New York Division) provides various social services to those in need. Find information related to food assistance, housing, and shelter services on their website.
The New York Public Library – The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers numerous benefits including e-reading materials, access to different forms of print media, movie screenings/DVDs, events, exhibitions, and classes/resources. Apply for a digital library card using their online application or apply in person at a local library branch (hours of operation vary by site). Visit the NYPL website for more information.
Discover DYCD – DiscoverDYCD is an online database ran by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. It is dedicated to identifying resources for afterschool programs, housing support, jobs and internships, immigrant services, family support, and community services.
311 – 311 helps connect people in New York with lots of government services including but not limited too, assitance with public benefits, food, shelter, and public education. Call 311 or visit their online portal. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can contact 311 at 212-NEW-YORK (212-638-9675) using a Video Relay Service (VRS) or at 212-504-4115 using TTY or Text Telephone.
Hours of Operation: 24/7/365
ACCESS HRA – ACCESS HRA is a website run by New York City’s Human Resource Administration (HRA) Department of Social Services. The website informs residents about different benefits they can receive. Visit ACCESS HRA or call DSS One at 718-557-1399 Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM to learn about all programs managed by the HRA Department.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Valera Health – Valera Health is a virtual mental health service that is available for most MetroPlusHealth Members. Valera Health provides psychotherapy, medication management, and group therapy for eligible members who are twelve years of age and older. Go to their website to get started.
Aging Connect – Aging Connect is the New York City Department for the Aging’s contact center for older adults and their families. Aging Connect can help with social services and activities. To reach Aging Connect, call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, or send a message through their online form on the website.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988 is available to all people living in New York who need to discuss mental health related problems such as coping with stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and/or alcohol abuse. This service is run by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and is available for 200+ languages 24/7/365. Call or text 988. Or visit their website to use the online chat function.
New York City Neighborhood Opportunity Network – The Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) is an online tool that helps connect people in their neighborhoods and get involved in the community. Visit their website to learn more about their programs. For example, NeON Sports offers free swimming, basketball, boxing, tennis, gymnastics, and other sports programs for young New Yorkers. See their website to browse all of their opportunities.

CHILDCARE

Family Welcome Centers (FWC)– Family Welcome Centers (FWC), part of the New York City Public School District, help families with enrollment and admissions to pre-K and elementary schools. FWCs provide support with admission questions, guidance for new students, enrollment, and information about offers and waitlists. To book an appointment, contact the nearest FWC (view the website to see the services offered and their locations). FWCs are available by email, phone, or in person, Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM.
NYC Children and MyCity – The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) provides information on their website about different child care resources, including affordable child care. Take a survey to check eligibility or recertify your affordable child care voucher. If assistance is needed, call the ACS Call Center at 212-835-7610 , Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

DISABILITY

New York City The Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities – The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has resources for New York City residents with disabilities. This is an online hub for city-supported benefits which impact people with disabilities. Visit the website to see all of the different resources available.
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) – The Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) provides various services to people with disabilities, such as financial coaching, advocacy and mediation services, peer support groups, and more. Call 718-998-3000 (TTY: 718-998-7406) or email [email protected] for more information.
Initiative for Women With Disabilities – New York University Langone Health’s Initiative for Women With Disabilities is a not-for-profit health center that provides women and adolescent girls with disabilities with primary care, women’s health and reproductive services, and wellness programs. Call 212-598-6429 or email [email protected] to learn more about the Initiative.

FOOD

NeON Nutrition and Kitchen – NeON Nutrition Kitchens are neighborhood food pantries that help people transitioning from the justice system, but everyone in the community is welcome. See the website to review the locations.
The Emergency Foodline – The Emergency Foodline is an automated hotline available to people who live in New York. You can call 866-888-8777 , 24/7/365 to find food resources near you.
WIC– The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) gives federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education. It helps low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. Contact information and business hours vary by location, see the website to find the closest WIC center.
SNAP– The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.
City Meals – City Meals on Wheels is a group that assists New Yorkers who are 60 years old or older and can’t easily make healthy meals at home. This could be because they have trouble moving around or thinking clearly. Visit their website to apply for meals.
Food Help NYC– Food Help NYC is an online application that helps users find community organizations offering free food. Users can type an address to find the nearest food pantries and soup kitchens.
God’s Love We Deliver – God’s Love We Deliver cooks and delivers nutritious meals to those who medically need it and live in New York City. Visit their website www.glwd.org, or call 212-294-8100 Monday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, to review eligibility criteria and process to apply for meals.

HEALTH LITERACY

We Speak NYC – We Speak NYC is an online resource which allows anyone to take free English classes anytime, anywhere.
Literacy New York – Literacy New York is a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy for adult New Yorkers. To find a location, visit their website or call 716-651-0465.
The City University of New York offers courses like English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Basic Education (BE), and High School Equivalency GED Preparation (HSE/GED). Registration and availability vary by location. Potential students should find the borough and campus closest to them and call the program to learn more.
Discover New York – Discover New York is a database that provides free classes for reading, writing, GED, and English for youth and adults. Courses vary by location and availability. Use the Discover DYCD search tool to find opportunities near you.

HOUSING

The Tenant Helpline – The Tenant Helpline is a free resource available to all New Yorkers. Specialists can provide housing-related services in multiple languages. Call the Tennant Helpline by calling 311 and request ‘The Tennant Helpline.’ The Tenant Helpline operates Monday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
NY Housing Search – NYHousingSearch.gov is a website that helps people find affordable housing in New York State. People can use the search options to find places based on location, cost, and number of bedrooms.
NYC Housing Preservation and Development Website – NYC Housing Preservation and Development’s website has lots of helpful stuff for New York City residents, like information about what rights and responsibilities tenants’ have and how to set up an appointment if you have problems with mold, pests, or lead. Visit the website to learn about the different resources. Or Manhattan residents call 212-863-5030; Bronx residents call 212-863-7050; Brooklyn residents call 212-863-6620; Queens residents call 212-863-5990 and Staten Island residents call 212-863-8100.
HOMEBASE – HOMEBASE helps people with housing problems in the community. They offer services to prevent families from becoming homeless and help those leaving shelters find permanent homes. There are many HOMEBASE locations throughout the city, visit the website to identify the contact information and hours of a nearby HOMEBASE location.
CityFHEPS – CityFHEPS is a rental assistance program to help individuals and families find and keep housing. To qualify, a person must be at risk of homelessness, be working or have a documented disability, and can live in a shelter or the community. Call the Rental Assistance Call Center through the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399 (press 4 for the Housing or Rental Assistance) Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
One Shot Deal (OSD)– Cash Assistance, also called The One Shot Deal, is a public benefit where emergency financial assistance is available for those who cannot pay their bills due to an unexpected situation. Apply online or on the ACCESS HRA app, then call 929-273-1872 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM to complete your interview. For general inquiries call the DSS One at 718-557-1399 (press #1 for general information related to Cash Assistance) Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

IMMIGRANT RESOURCES

NYC Immigration Legal Hotline – Call the City’s Legal Hotline for free and safe immigration legal help. Call 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM or see their website to review the services offered.
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs – The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) advises the mayor and city agencies on public policy issues affecting immigrants. Their website also helps with common immigrant issues.
Refugee Services – New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provides a list of programs and benefits which could be helpful to those who recently immigrated to New York. Review the list on their website.
NYC Cares – NYC Cares provides a list of Community Based Organizations that are culturally specific. Review the full list on the website.
New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) – The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) helps New Yorkers with various legal issues, including financial counseling, immigration matters, domestic violence, tenants’ rights, and public housing/public benefits issues. Visit the website or call 212-613-5000 to learn more.
New Americans – New Americans offers legal assistance and important information for those who have recently immigrated to the United States. You can contact the New Americans 9 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday or see their website for information about the services provided.

PREGNANCY

Abortion Access Hub – NYC DoHMH’s Abortion Access Hub provides free and confidential support to those seeking assistance finding an abortion provider. To get answers related to common questions and learn about different options, call 877-692-2482, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 8 PM. Or call 311 and ask about “Abortion.”
NYC Nurse-Family Partnership – NYC Nurse-Family Partnership connects expecting first-time parents to their own nurse. Call 311 and ask about the “Nurse Family Partnership” or email [email protected] to learn more.
The Citywide Doula Initiative – The Citywide Doula Initiative helps pregnant people prepare for childbirth and care for their newborn. Call 311 and ask about the “Citywide Doula Initiative” program.
NYC H+H; Obstetrics and Gynecology – NYC Health and Hospitals provides high quality health care in every borough. To make an appointment with an Obstetrician, visit their Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) website. This lists all the NYC Health and Hospitals locations which provide OBGYN care and the phone numbers to call for an appointment. Call 844-692-4692
New Family Home Visits Initiative – New Family Home Visits Initiative is for new parents.Users can meet with a trained health worker for assistance with breastfeeding, safe sleep, and child development. Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to learn more.

SAFETY

The Hotline – National Domestic Violence Hotline is a national group that helps people who are experiencing domestic violence or any form of gender based interpersonal violence. Call 800-799-7233 or text “Start” to 88788 to talk to someone. The Hotline is available 24/7/365.
NYC Hope – NYC Hope is an online resource for people living in New York City and who are experiencing domestic violence or any form of gender based interpersonal violence. Call 800-621-4673 (TTY: 800-810-7444) to talk to someone or check out their website to learn more or chat with a specialist.
Family Justice Centers – Family Justice Centers provide free and confidential assistance to those who have experience domestic or interpersonal violence. Visit the website to learn about each borough’s FJC location. FJCs are open 9 AM – 5 PM from Monday to Friday. Bronx residents call 718-508-1220, Brooklyn residents call 718-250-5113, Manhattan residents call 212-602-2800, Queens residents call 718-575-4545 and Staten Island residents call 718-697-4300.

SMOKING CESSATION

New York State and Roswell Park Cessation Services – The NYS Quitline is for New York State residents who want to stop smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. They can give you a free starter kit with nicotine medications and connect you with a coach to help quit. nysmokefree.com has helpful resources for those who currently smoke and their loved ones, available in multiple languages. Call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487) or text QUITNOW to 333888. Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 9 PM, Friday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
NYC HHC Smoking Cessation – New York City Health and Hospitals offer lots of ways to help many New Yorkers who smoke. They give affordable treatments to help quit smoking.
Asian Smokers’ Quitline – The Asian Smokers’ Quitline is an online resource dedicated to help Asian Americans quit smoking. If interested, call 800-838-8917 if Chinese is your preferred language or 800-556-5564 if Korean is your preferred language or 800-778-8440 if Vietnamese is your preferred language or email [email protected].
The NYC Department of Health offers information on different health topics, including resources for New Yorkers who want to cut down or quit smoking. Visit the webpage on smoking cessation to learn more.

TRANSPORTATION

Access-A-Ride– Access-A-Ride, managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), provides accessible rides to eligible New Yorkers. Visit the website or call 877-337-2017 from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM to learn more about the eligibility requirements.
NYC Fair Fares – NYC Fair Fares is a program for people who live in New York City. If you’re eligible, you can get half off on subway and bus fares. Call 311 and ask about “Fair Fares” or visit one of their locations (varies, see website) Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Users can also send a message to the Department of Social Services on the online form.

TRANSPORTATION THROUGH METROPLUSHEALTH PLANS

Child Health Plus, Enhanced (HARP) Plan, Essential Plan – NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT: Your non-emergency transportation benefit is provided by Medical Answering Services (MAS). Need to schedule a ride? Call 844-666-6270 or Schedule Online!
Medicaid Managed Care – No-Stress Transportation.
Whether you have a medical appointment near your home or across town, MetroPlusHealth wants to ensure you get the care you need when you need it without the stress of getting there. We also want to ensure you arrive at your appointment timely without having to rely on family or friends for your transportation. So…MetroPlusHealth is happy to announce that effective immediately, Medical Answering Services, LLC (MAS) will be responsible for providing you with non-emergency medical transportation services for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries living in the five boroughs of New York City. We encourage our member to take advantage of this benefit in order to ensure that services are provided. If you need to schedule or inquire about receiving transportation benefits please contact MetroPlusHealth Customer Service Department at 800-303-9626 (TTY: 711) if you need assistance. Please also provide ample time for your appointment to be scheduled.Please note in order to be eligible for Medicaid transportation benefits your provider must complete Form 2015 which is verification of Medicaid Transportation Abilities.
Medicare Advantage Routine Transportation: $0 copay for up to 48 one way trips to health related locations per year. Learn more

UTILITIES

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. People should contact their HEAP Local District (listed on website) to learn how to apply. For general inquires, contact the DSS One number at 718-557-1399 (press 1 for help with utilities) Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Utility Assistance Program (UAP) – Utility Assistance Program (UAP)assists families or individuals who are elderly, blind, disabled, mentally impaired or those residing in a neglected or hazardous environment who require financial assistance for their energy bills. contact the DSS One number at 718-557-1399 (press 1 for help with utilities, press 5 for accommodation because of a disability) Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
NYC 311 – 311 helps connect people in New York with lots of government services including but not limited too, assistance with public benefits, food, shelter, and public education. Call 311 or visit their online portal. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can contact 311 at 212-NEW YORK (212-638-9675) using a Video Relay Service (VRS) or at 212-504-4115 using TTY or Text Telephone.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a national program run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It helps families with low incomes pay for heating and utility bills (like electricity, gas, water, and sewage). For more information about LIHEAP call 800-342-3009 or visit their website.

METROPLUS HEALTH PLAN SPECIFIC BENEFITS:

Our dedicated team is here to assist you Monday – Saturday, 8am-8pm, and Sunday, 9am-5pm, Call us at 866.496.6636.
At MetroPlusHealth, we are more than just a health plan; we are your partners in achieving a healthier, happier life. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your health and well-being.