About the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Affordable Care Act is a new federal law that requires all individuals to have health insurance by January 1, 2014. Individuals who do not enroll in a health insurance plan by January will pay a penalty when filing for taxes (unless you can claim an exemption).

Information Sheets for Residents of New York State (PDF)

• For Young Adults
• For Immigrants
• For Uninsured New Yorkers

You may be eligible for New York State’s free or low-cost public health insurance programs. New York state public health insurance plans are managed care plans provided by insurance companies. The list below provides the contact information for various managed care plans providing free or low-cost public health insurance to those who are eligible. The plans below serve all New York City boroughs unless otherwise noted.  In addition, visiting www.nyc.gov/hilink can help you assess your eligibility for these programs. These programs are not available to international or out-of-state students.

Affinity Health Plan
2500 Halsey Street
Bronx, NY 10461
Main: 718-794-7700
Toll Free: 866-247-5678

AmeriChoice of New York, Inc
7 Hanover Square, 5th Fl.
New York, NY 10004
Main: 212-509-5999
Boroughs Served: Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens Only

AMERIGROUP Community Care
21 Penn Plaza
360 W. 31st Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Main: 877-692-8669

Fidelis Care New York
95-25 Queens Blvd.
Rego Park, NY 11374
Main: 888-343-3547

GHI/HIP Merge (Emblem) Group Health Incorporated
441 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Main: 646-447-6191

Healthfirst, PHSP
25 Broadway, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Main: 800-404-8778

Health Plus
241 37th Street, Suite 412
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Main: 888-809-8009

HIP/GHI Merge (Emblem)
132 W. 31st Street
New York, NY
Main: 800-542-2412

Below you can find information on organizations that provide insurance programs targeted at the needs of international students.

International Student Insurance
224 First St
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Main: 877-758-4391 or 904-758-4391

International Student Protection
111 John Street,
Ste. 750
New York, NY 10038
Main: 212-693-3717

ISO Student Health Insurance
150 W. 30th Street, Suite 1101
New York, NY 10001
Main: 800-244-1180