Affordable Health Care Options for the Uninsured at HHC

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is committed to improving immigrants' access to quality, affordable health care. HHC operates many hospitals and clinics throughout the City, where individuals can get comprehensive health care regardless of their insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay. New Yorkers can access preventive, primary, and specialty care at HHC facilities. In an effort to improve the ability of patients to access and pay for care in a timely way, HHC recently revised its payment options, referred to as the HHC Options Program. Now every HHC patient with income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level is eligible for some kind of payment assistance, regardless of immigration status. For example, effective January 1, 2008, this includes anyone living in the following types of households: * One person in the household, with total annual income up to $43,321. * Two people in the household, with total annual income up to $58,281. * Three people in the household, with total annual income up to $73,241. * Four people in the household, with total annual income up to $88,201. * Five people in the household, with total annual income up to $103,161. * Six people in the household, with total annual income up to $118,121. * Seven people in the household, with total annual income up to $133,081. Individuals who qualify based on family income will be charged a reduced rate - ranging from $15 to $60 - for each emergency room or clinic visit. This charge includes the costs of medical exams, lab tests, routine radiological procedures and consultations with specialists. HHC Options also offers greatly discounted rates for outpatient surgery, MRI testing, prescription drugs, and inpatient stays (staying overnight in the hospital). A monthly payment schedule can be arranged if necessary. It is generally necessary to schedule an appointment with a clinic or to receive medical treatment before a patient can arrange payment assistance. Patients are urged to make appointments with clinics for their routine health care needs; emergency rooms tend to be crowded and should be used in cases where immediate care is urgently needed, or during hours when clinics are closed. 2009 HHC Options brochure Memos regarding patient immigrant status confidentiality: --Letter to the public --Letter to staff