Medicaid for undocumented New Yorkers over 65

On April 4, 2024, in honor of National Public Health Week, city and state agencies held a citywide day of action in New York City to encourage undocumented New Yorkers age 65 and older to enroll in the newly expanded Medicaid health plan.

Effective January 1, the Medicaid program was expanded to include undocumented seniors who are income eligible in New York State. Previously, coverage for older undocumented residents was limited to coverage for emergency medical visits. To reach undocumented New Yorkers who may qualify, the New York City Mayor's Office of Community Engagement, NYC Care staff and their partners distributed information in multiple languages to areas of the city with large immigrant populations.
New Yorkers who meet the criteria can connect with the Office of Public Affairs' GetCoveredNYC program or go directly to the New York City Department of Health website to register. Those already enrolled in Emergency Medicaid will be automatically transferred to this expanded coverage and will have the opportunity to choose a new plan. For more information, visit nyc.gov/ExpandedMedicaid.
NYC Health hospitals are committed to reducing barriers to health care by empowering New Yorkers to live the healthiest lives possible. The health system strongly supports coverage for all by expanding Essential Plan eligibility to extend coverage to individuals who are not currently eligible for health insurance due to their immigration status. “Expanding Medicaid to undocumented New Yorkers age 65 and older is a critical step forward toward more equitable public health in our city,” said Adrienne Lever, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Public Affairs. “I am proud of the dedicated efforts of our city, state and community partners to ensure that seniors, regardless of their immigration status, receive the care they deserve.” Through the strategic work of Community Engagement, we are breaking down barriers to health and access to insurance for some of New York's most vulnerable residents.”
“Previously, undocumented seniors living in New York were limited to receiving Medicaid only in emergency situations, making it difficult to effectively manage health care for one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Amir Bassiri, New York State Medicaid Director. “This expansion is fundamental to our commitment to addressing health inequities and advancing health equity.”
“Undocumented adults are more likely to work in jobs that do not provide health benefits. They have historically faced restrictions on participation in government programs, forcing them to forgo preventive services and screenings and rely on costly emergency room care as their only option,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald. “This expansion of Medicaid eligibility for immigrants in New York is the state's recognition of the importance of health care equity, especially for those age 65 and older. This critical step is consistent with the City's ongoing efforts to create a healthy New York for older adults,” said Department on Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortez-Vazquez. “The Department of Aging is committed to supporting the state’s efforts to attract, educate and enroll immigrant seniors to access this unique health coverage.”
“As a primary care physician, I am thrilled to support the citywide effort to educate older New Yorkers about Medicaid expansion, providing them with quality, affordable health insurance. Whether someone is managing a chronic illness or getting a routine check-up with a doctor, they will all gain peace of mind knowing that they now have insurance coverage regardless of their income level or immigration status, said Dr. Jonathan Jimenez, MPH , Executive Director of NYC Care at NYC Health+ Hospitals. “I thank our government and community partners, and our network of volunteers, for their commitment to reducing health inequalities and supporting the development of vibrant, healthy communities.”
“Health care is every person's right, and in New York we recognize that everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of their immigration status,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Wasan. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of these benefits and sign up today because there is no path to healthier, longer lives for ALL New Yorkers without access to healthcare.”
Marina Lagunova