Eligibility requirements for these programs are established by New York State and include household income (not necessarily how much money you have in the bank), residency, family size and age, as well as your citizenship or immigration status and whether you already have other insurance. The programs are available in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties. To find out if you are eligible, you can enter your information in our easy-to-use Program Finder Tool, or call Customer Service at 1-800-447-8255.

Not necessarily. Because eligibility for the Medicaid, Family Health Plus (FHPlus) and Child Health Plus (CHPlus) programs is based on more than just family size and income, it is possible that members in the same family will be eligible for different programs. For example, in a family with three children, it is possible that the youngest child will be eligible for Medicaid, the other children will be eligible for CHPlus and the parents will be eligible for FHPlus. This will be because of differences in the age, immigration/citizenship status or other eligibility requirements of different family members.

If you already have regular Medicaid coverage and want to enroll in a HIP or another managed care plan, call New York Medicaid Choice at 1-800-505-5678.

If you are already enrolled in a Medicaid Managed Care or Family Health Plus plan but would like to change health plans:
Call New York Medicaid CHOICE at 1-800-505-5678 and ask to be switched to the Medicaid Managed Care or Family Health Plus plan of your choice.

If you have no health care coverage and would like to apply for Medicaid, Family Health Plus or Child Health Plus coverage for you and your family, you must complete an ACCESS NY application.

We suggest that you meet with one of our Facilitated Enrollers (FE) if you are uninsured or would like assistance in renewing your eligibility for a program. FEs will make sure that your application and required documents are correct and answer any questions you may have. To make an appointment with an FE, call 1-888-447-2863. Or, to find the FE location closest to you, enter your ZIP code below.

You can also get an application mailed to you by calling EmblemHealth Customer Service at 1-800-447-8255, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

Please remember that you must provide the following documents when applying:

• Proof of birth for each applicant
• Proof of residency (dated within six months of application signature date)
• Proof of income for all parents or guardians and for each applicant (dated within one month of application signature date)
• Proof of dependent care costs (child care) for each applying child
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status for each applicant

Having the right documentation is an important step in the process.

Download the required documents checklist to view the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) approved list of acceptable documentation.

Once you have completed the application and included the necessary documents, you can mail the application (and your first premium, if applicable) to:

EmblemHealth
Government Assisted Programs, 5th Floor
55 Water Street
New York, NY 10041-8190

Or you may meet with a Facilitated Enroller to help you complete an application.

The easiest way to apply and complete an application is to meet with a Facilitated Enroller (FE). EmblemHealth FEs are conveniently located in your neighborhood and are available to assist you. They can help you complete your application and make sure that everything is correct, but it is your responsibility to complete the application. To meet with an FE, please call 1-800-542-2412. Or, to find the FE location closest to you, enter your ZIP code below.

The FE will help you complete the application and make sure you have the right documents.

To avoid a delay in the application process, make sure you complete all sections, include all required documents, and sign and date the application. If you would like to know more about the required documents, visit https://apps.nyhealth.gov/doh2/applinks/accessny/ and click on "What documents will I need?"

If you already have Medicaid or Family Health Plus and are selecting or changing health plans through New York Medicaid Choice and:

• You request the change before the 20th day of the month, the change will be effective on the first day of the next month.
• You request the change after the 20th day of the month, the change will be effective on the first day of the second following month.

If you are uninsured and you completed an ACCESS NY Health Care application, and you are found eligible for Child Health Plus and:

• Your completed application is received before the 20th day of the month, your coverage may begin on the first day of the next month.
• Your completed application is received after the 20th day of the month, your coverage may begin on the first day of the second following month.

If you have no health coverage and the information on your application confirms that you are eligible for Medicaid or FHPlus, your application will be sent to the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county you live in to be processed. You will be notified directly by your DSS office about eligibility for Medicaid or FHPlus. Generally, it takes about 45 to 60 days from the time you meet with a Facilitated Enroller for the local DSS to determine eligibility.

Once your application has been received and assessed for eligibility, you will receive a letter telling you about the status of your application and/or effective date.

Yes. Shortly after you are successfully enrolled, we will:

• Send you a HIP member ID card.
• Call to welcome you to HIP and give you important information to help you select a primary care doctor (if you haven't already done so) and answer any questions you may have.
• Send you a New Member Welcome Kit with a Member Handbook that tells you about your health care coverage and how to use it.

We will also send you member newsletters with updates on benefit and service changes, as well as tips about staying healthy.