Health Insurance Options for Non-Green Card Holders and Non-Citizens in New York

June 26, 2026

Review status: This legacy health article was migrated from the previous Starside website. Clinical claims, dosage references, warnings, interactions, and treatment language should be reviewed by a pharmacist before publication.

In addition to immigrants who already have green cards, many other types of immigrants may also qualify for health insurance in many cases.

- During the waiting period for an approved visa and green card application, you are eligible for Qualified Health Plans (QHP), Medicaid, Emergency Medicaid, Essential Plans (EP), and Children's Health Plans (CHP).
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) recipients, including applicants, are eligible for Medicaid, Emergency Medicaid, and Children's Health Plans (CHP).

- Students holding F, J, or M visas who meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant programs can apply for all available plans, including Medicaid. An I-20 form, passport, school ID, and other supporting documents are required.
- College graduates or young scholars holding OPT or H1B visas with an I-766 Employment Authorization Card can apply for all plans offered on the New York State Health Insurance Marketplace. An I-94 form, valid visa, passport, and other supporting documents are required.
- B1/B2 visa holders can apply for all plans, including Medicaid. Proof of address and other supporting documents are required.

Immigrants without legal status may also qualify for coverage in certain specific situations, including:

- Unauthorized immigrants under the age of 19 can apply for the Children's Health Plan (CHP).
- Unauthorized immigrants aged 19 and older can apply for Emergency Medicaid and MetroPlus Health Plan.
- Pregnant unauthorized immigrants can apply for the Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP).

The State of New York has launched a brand-new health insurance plan called the Essential Plan. The Essential Plan provides high-quality health insurance to working adults with low incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid.

For more details, please refer tothis link.