Answers to Questions You May Have

Contact our Member Services department to schedule an appointment with a Healthfirst Representative, or visit us at one of our community offices located in your area.

Child Health Plus is an insurance program offered by Healthfirst.  It provides good health care for your children.  New York State sponsors this program. This program is for children under the age of 19 who have little or no health insurance. It is also for children who are not qualified for or enrolled in Medicaid.

All kids and teens living in New York State that do not have insurance will qualify for Child Health Plus. No family makes too much money to be covered. Your child may be able to join either Medicaid or Child Health Plus. The choice will be based on your family’s income. Many doctors in the Healthfirst network accept both Medicaid and Child Health Plus.

> Click here to learn more about Child Health Plus

When you join Healthfirst, your children will be covered for:

• Complete health care for infants and children, including doctor checkups and baby/early childhood shots (vaccines);
• Emergency services;
• Tests, x-rays, and laboratory services;
• Dental, vision, speech, and hearing care;
• Help with nutrition, health education and counseling, and more.

It depends on your family size and income. You may pay a small monthly premium – or nothing at all.  Call Healthfirst today to discuss the plan or program that best fits your family’s needs.

> Click here to learn more about how much Child Health Plus costs

Children can get the Child Health Plus program if they are:

• Under the age of 19;
• Have no health insurance;
• Not qualified or signed up for Medicaid;
• Living in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, or Long Island.

> Click here to learn more about who can apply for Child Health Plus

• Free car service to and from doctor’s appointments for baby/early childhood shots (vaccines) and yearly checkups*
• Access to over 24,000 doctors and specialists, many in your neighborhood
• Programs to help you learn about important health topics such as asthma, nutrition, healthy habits, and more
• Helpful representatives who speak your language: English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Haitian Creole.

* = Healthfirst will schedule and pay for medically necessary car service for all medical care and services that are covered under government-sponsored health insurance programs. 
To check if your car service will be covered, just call us.

> Click here to see a full list of what is covered by Child Health Plus

Managed care covers many health needs, including doctor checkups, emergency services, hospital visits, and special services, such as vision care. 

> Click here to see a full list of what is covered by Medicaid Managed Care

You can apply for Medicaid by:

• Calling our Member Services department to schedule an appointment; or
• Visiting us at a community office near you.

Just call us, or visit one of our community offices. We’re here to help you.

> Click here to learn more about who can apply for Medicaid Managed Care

You must renew your Medicaid coverage every year. We will send you a letter to remind you it is time to renew your plan. This letter will include a deadline date, and a renewal form.  It is very important for you to mail the renewal form to us by the deadline date. If you don’t, your health insurance plan will end.

> Click here to learn more about how to renew your Medicaid Managed Care Plan

Medicaid Managed Care (or “Medicaid”) is a program offered by Healthfirst for New York residents who can’t afford to pay for health care. This program lets you choose a doctor who will make sure you get the health care you need. New York State sponsors this program.

> Click here to learn more about Medicaid Managed Care

You may be covered by Medicaid if:

• You meet certain Income requirements;
• You live in the Healthfirst service area:
  • Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Richmond, Nassau and Suffolk counties;
• You are a legal U.S. citizen.

• Proof of age, such as your birth certificate;
• Proof of United States citizenship or alien status;*
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working);
• Proof of income from any of the following:
  • Social Security
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans’ Benefits (VA)
  • Retirement
• Proof of where you live.  This can include any of the following:
  • Rent receipt
  • Landlord statement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Mail with your address on it
• Health insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance).

* = Note: Medicaid may cover you, even if you have alien status. You must be pregnant, or need emergency treatment. This must be certified by a doctor. Other requirements may apply.

• A Healthfirst representative will contact you. They will tell you if you and/or your family can get Medicaid. Then Healthfirst will send your application to your local Department of Social Services. 
• The local Department of Social Services will review your application. Then they will let you know which health insurance program is right for you.
• You will get a letter from Healthfirst to confirm your health insurance plan.  We will also send you a welcome letter.  It will include the date you can start using your health plan, and a member ID card.
  • If you need health care before your ID card arrives, you can use the Healthfirst welcome letter to show your doctor that you have health insurance.
• You will also get a handbook from your health plan.  The handbook will tell you what services are covered by your plan, and how you can get health care.