When you’re undocumented in New York, it can feel like you’re left out of every system — especially healthcare. Many families assume that having no immigration status means they must go without insurance, paying out-of-pocket for everything or skipping care altogether. But that’s not the full story. In 2025, New York continues to offer some of the most inclusive health options in the country — even for people without legal status.
At SecureSafer Insurance, we work with immigrant families every day. Whether you have DACA, TPS, overstayed a visa, or are in the process of adjusting your status, you may qualify for legitimate coverage through the Essential Plan, even if Medicaid says no.
Table of Content
- What Is the Essential Plan — and Who Is It For?
- Medicaid: Who Gets It — and Who Doesn’t
- Luis’s Story: Getting Covered Without a Green Card
- Essential Plan vs Medicaid — Key Differences Explained
- What Immigration Statuses Can Apply for the Essential Plan?
- What If I’m Scared to Apply Because of ICE or Public Charge?
- Can Undocumented New Yorkers Really Get Full Coverage?
- How SecureSafer Can Help
What Is the Essential Plan — and Who Is It For?
The Essential Plan is New York State’s affordable health insurance option for low- and moderate-income individuals. It was designed for residents who don’t qualify for Medicaid but still need coverage. The plan is managed by private carriers such as Fidelis Care, MetroPlusHealth, and Healthfirst, and enrollment happens through the official NY State of Health Marketplace.
This plan includes robust benefits — full medical, hospital, prescription, vision, and even dental coverage — often for $0 per month. What’s unique is that many immigrants, including those who are undocumented or in limbo with their immigration paperwork, can still qualify based on income, age, and residency.
To learn more about what’s included, check out the official details at health.ny.gov.
Medicaid: Who Gets It — and Who Doesn’t
New York’s Medicaid program serves U.S. citizens and certain lawful immigrants, especially those with green cards older than five years. For undocumented immigrants, full Medicaid is mostly out of reach — unless you are pregnant or under 19. New York is generous in providing full-scope Medicaid to all pregnant people and children under 19, regardless of immigration status. However, once you become an adult, access is limited to Emergency Medicaid, which only covers life-threatening or urgent care.
If you’re undocumented and over 18, Medicaid likely won’t cover regular doctor visits, lab tests, mental health services, or prescriptions. That’s where the Essential Plan fills the gap — especially if you don’t qualify for full Medicaid but still need real, day-to-day care.
You can verify these guidelines directly at health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid.
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Luis’s Story: Getting Covered Without a Green Card
Luis, a 33-year-old from Jackson Heights, Queens, has lived in New York for over a decade. Though he works legally and files taxes, he doesn’t have a green card or work permit. For years, he assumed that meant he couldn’t qualify for any health insurance. After learning about the Essential Plan through a local referral, he contacted SecureSafer. With only his ITIN, tax return, and a ConEd bill as proof of address, we helped Luis enroll in a plan that now covers his yearly checkups, prescriptions, and even dental work — all with $0 monthly premium. He now tells everyone: “Don’t wait — get help. I didn’t know this was even possible.”
Essential Plan vs Medicaid — Key Differences Explained
While Medicaid and the Essential Plan offer similar medical benefits, the rules around eligibility and immigration status are very different. Medicaid is primarily for U.S. citizens and some green card holders, while the Essential Plan was created with broader access in mind. If you’re undocumented, you likely won’t get Medicaid, but depending on your income and residency, the Essential Plan could be open to you.
In both programs, enrollees can access preventative care, ER visits, hospitalizations, mental health care, and prescription drugs. However, the Essential Plan is much more accessible for immigrants without permanent legal status. It’s also run by private insurers, which often offer additional perks like wellness programs, gym reimbursements, and vision or dental bonuses — benefits you might not see with Emergency Medicaid.
To compare official benefits side by side, we recommend visiting NY State of Health or reaching out to a SecureSafer licensed agent for a no-obligation consultation.
What Immigration Statuses Can Apply for the Essential Plan?
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to enroll in the Essential Plan. In fact, many clients with the following statuses have successfully enrolled:
People with DACA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or humanitarian parole may qualify. Individuals with U visas, T visas, or pending asylum claims are also often eligible. In addition, if you’re undocumented but live in New York, file taxes, and can prove income and residency — you may still get approved depending on your situation.
While Medicaid may reject your application due to immigration status, the Essential Plan may only require an ITIN, proof of address, and proof of income. Always check your options with a trusted broker who understands immigrant health policy and works with all major carriers. SecureSafer specializes in these cases.
What If I’m Scared to Apply Because of ICE or Public Charge?
It’s understandable. Many immigrants fear applying for anything “government-related,” but health coverage through the Essential Plan does not count as a public charge under federal law. Additionally, New York State does not share immigration information with ICE, and licensed insurance brokers like those at SecureSafer are legally bound to protect your privacy.
You can learn more about privacy rules and immigrant rights from the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Can Undocumented New Yorkers Really Get Full Coverage?
Yes — with the right support. Even without a green card or social security number, many immigrants qualify for legal, full insurance through the Essential Plan. It’s a powerful, state-backed option for people who live in New York, work hard, and simply want to take care of their health.
If you earn under $3,000/month (single) or $4,500/month (family), file taxes, and live in NYC, you likely meet the income threshold. Age also matters — the Essential Plan is available to residents ages 19–64. The application doesn’t ask for citizenship, and it’s perfectly legal to apply.
How SecureSafer Can Help
Our brokers walk you through the entire process — from checking eligibility to uploading documents. We speak Spanish, Bengali, Arabic, and more, and we work with every major Essential Plan carrier in New York. Our only goal is helping you get covered, stay safe, and understand your benefits.
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⚠️ Compliance Note:
Eligibility and benefit amounts vary based on immigration status, income, and plan rules. Coverage is not guaranteed. This article is for informational purposes only. For official Medicaid and Essential Plan guidelines, visit medicare.gov, health.ny.gov, and nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
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