Health and Mental Health

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Taking care of your body and your mind is never selfish. It's how you keep going for yourself and the people who love you. I'm so glad you're here.

Here is the easy first step: if you need a doctor and money is tight, look up a community health center near you. They see people with or without insurance. And if you're hurting inside right now, you can call or text 988 any time.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise care, coverage or a spot in any program.
• This guide is for everyone: parents and kids, young adults, older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants and people without a home. If something is for one group, we say so.
• This guide is not medical advice. For questions about your health, talk with a doctor or nurse.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I see a doctor if I don't have insurance?

Community health centers are a great place to start. HRSA says health centers serve people with limited or no health insurance, and many use a sliding fee scale based on income.

That means the less you earn, the less you pay.

The federal Find a Health Center tool from HRSA shows centers near you by ZIP code. HRSA says it funds about 1,400 health centers that run more than 16,200 service sites.

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Your county health department can help

If you don't know where to start, dial 211 and ask for a community clinic or your county health department near you. They can tell you what's close by. Easy peasy!

How do I get health coverage in New York?

New York has one main place to apply: NY State of Health, the official health plan marketplace. One application checks you for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus and other plans, so it's worth applying even if you're not sure.

• Apply online at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or call 855.355.5777 (TTY 800.662.1220).
• No cost help in person. Trained Navigators and other assistors can help you apply at no cost. Find one on the NY State of Health site.
• You can also apply for Medicaid at your local department of social services. In New York City, call HRA at 718.557.1399.
• Low income adults who may qualify for Medicaid or the Essential Plan can apply any time of year.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ and https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/

The Essential Plan

• It has $0 monthly premiums and no deductible, and covers dental, vision, hospital care, prescriptions and no cost preventive care.
• It's for New York residents ages 19 to 64 who are lawfully present in the U.S. and don't qualify for Medicaid, Child Health Plus or job based coverage.
• For 2026, the most you can make is $31,920 a year for one person, $43,280 for two, $54,640 for three and $66,000 for four.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/EssentialPlan

Changes coming. NY State of Health says that starting October 1, 2026, some immigrants on Medicaid may move to the Essential Plan with the same benefits, and that starting January 1, 2027, many adults 19 to 64 on Medicaid will face work rules and renewals every 6 months. Open every letter and keep your address and phone up to date. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered

What about health coverage for kids?

New York has two main programs for kids, and you apply for both through NY State of Health.

• Children's Medicaid covers children in families with lower incomes.
• Child Health Plus is New York's health plan for kids under 19 whose families earn too much for Medicaid. Depending on income, it can be at no cost or low cost.
• Questions? Call 800.698.4543 (800.698.4KIDS) and ask about Child Health Plus and Children's Medicaid.
• Pregnant? You and your children can apply at many clinics, hospitals and doctor's offices. Call your local department of social services to ask where.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/child_health_plus/ and https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/

Asking for help with your health is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do. Your health matters, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Where can I get help for mental health?

If you're feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed, you don't have to carry it alone.

• In a crisis, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7, for you or for someone you love.
• In New York, 988 is also the way to reach mobile crisis teams who can come to you. The New York State Office of Mental Health says to dial or text 988, or chat online.
• For ongoing care, each county has crisis and counseling services. The county list later in this guide shows the numbers for yours.
• You can also dial 211 for help finding services.
• Community health centers often have counseling too. Ask when you call.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bootstrap/crisis.html

Where can I get help for alcohol or drug use?

New York's HOPEline, from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), is at no cost and private and open 24/7. Call 877.846.7369 (877.8.HOPENY) or text HOPENY to 467369.

It also helps with gambling, and with support for families.

• SAMHSA's National Helpline is at no cost, private and open 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish. They can refer you to local treatment, support groups and community groups. Call 800.662.4357.
• You can also search for treatment near you at findtreatment.gov.
• A community health center can also help you find care near you.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://oasas.ny.gov/hopeline and https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

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Write your questions down

Before a visit, jot down your questions and any medicines you take. It's so easy to forget once you're in the room. A little list goes a long way!

What if I can't get insurance at all?

You can still get care.

• Community health centers see people with or without insurance, often on a sliding fee. See step 1.
• In New York City, NYC Care, from NYC Health + Hospitals, gives affordable care to New Yorkers who don't have insurance and can't afford it, regardless of income or immigration status. You get your own doctor, mental health care, low cost medicine and cancer screenings, with sliding scale fees. Call 646.692.2273 (646.NYC.CARE).
• Can't get a Medicaid or Essential Plan? NY State of Health also sells other plans, and some people get tax credits to lower the cost. Call 855.355.5777.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-care/

Can I get no cost cancer screening?

Yes, if you qualify. New York's Cancer Services Program offers breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening at no cost to people who live in New York, meet income and age rules, and have no health insurance or insurance with costs that would keep them from getting screened.

• Breast and cervical screening is generally for ages 40 and older, and colorectal screening for ages 45 and older at average risk.
• Services are offered in every county and borough.
• Call 866.442.2262 (866.442.CANCER) to be connected to a program near you. The call is at no cost.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

New York State

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

New York City (all five boroughs)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Nassau County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Suffolk County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Westchester County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Erie County (Buffalo)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Monroe County (Rochester)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Onondaga County (Syracuse)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Albany County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My health plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Take good care of you. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax, medical or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 16, 2026