A New York State-Sponsored Plan

The $0 Essential Plan

The Essential Plan is a $0 health insurance program available to eligible New York State residents. The program offers comprehensive coverage, including vision and dental care.

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Get comprehensive coverage for all your medical needs

Plan benefits*

Deductible*

100%

Co-insurance*

Mental Health

$400

OTC card for groceries and more*

Dental Care*

Vision Care

$400

Gym Membership Reimbursement*

Preventive Care

Emergency Care

Why is the plan $0?

The Essential Plan is sponsored by the New York State government to offer comprehensive and affordable health coverage to all New York residents, including long-term visa holders like F-1 international students.

$400

OTC card for groceries and more*

Dental Care*

Deductible*

100%

Co-insurance*

Why is the plan $0?

Will the Essential Plan affect immigration status?

See our interview with Max Hadler, Director of Policy and Immigration Initiatives at the New York City Department of Health, where he introduces the Essential Plan and confirms that it will not affect any student's immigration status.

Applying for and using the Essential Plan won't affect your immigration status or application for status. Your immigration status won't be shared with federal immigration authorities.

Read the full, official New York State policy on the Essential Plan and immigration status here.↗ Link to article

Plan Types & Benefit Details

Plan coverage details below — expand the table to see more!

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	PLAN 200-250	PLAN 1	PLAN 2	PLAN 3	PLAN 4
Income Qualifications	$31,300 - $39,125	$23,475 - $31,300	$21,597 - $23,475	$15,650 - $21,597	$0 - $15,650
Age Qualifications	19-64 for US Citizens & Green Card Holders living in the US for >5 years21-64 for Visa Holders & Green Card Holders living in the US for <5 years
Immigration Status	US Citizens & Green Card Holders living in the US for >5 yearsVisa Holders & Green Card Holders living in the US for <5 years
Deductible*	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Vision Care	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Dental Care	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Mental Health Care	$15	$15	$0	$0	$0
OTC/Grocery Card*	$100 per quarter	$100 per quarter	$100 per quarter	$100 per quarter	$100 per quarter
Emergency Care	$75	$75	$0	$0	$0
Preventive Care	Covered in full	Covered in full	Covered in full	Covered in full	Covered in full
Urgent Care Center	$25	$25	$0	$0	$0
Gym Membership Reimbursement	$400	$400	$400	$400	$400
Primary Care Office Home Visits*	$15	$15	$0	$0	$0
Specialist Office Home Visits*	$25	$25	$0	$0	$0
Prescriptions (Retail Pharmacy)	Tier 1: $6 Tier 2: $15 Tier 3: $30	Tier 1: $6 Tier 2: $15 Tier 3: $30	Tier 1: $1 Tier 2: $3 Tier 3: $3	Tier 1: $1 Tier 2: $3 Tier 3: $3	Tier 1: $0 Tier 2: $0 Tier 3: $0
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