What you need to know: Raising public awareness about NYC Care Program

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the SACSS Healthcare team met with NYC Care  Assistant Director of Community Affairs Janine Marie-Rafio for a discussion about how the program has been essential in helping New Yorkers access quality, affordable healthcare.

The discussion touched on informing the public about upcoming new changes to Medicaid for individuals 65 years and older and undocumented New Yorkers, and the importance of raising public awareness about the program’s benefits.

According to SACSS Program Manager of Health Services Maria Ariza, she has received phone calls from clients saying they heard the program will no longer be available for undocumented New Yorkers.

“That is something people fear, and this is misinformation” Ariza said.

To prevent the spread of misinformation, SACSS Director of Health Services Rehan Mehmood noted the importance of conducting outreach and canvassing in communities.

“When we do health fairs, we partner with faith-based centers, food pantries, we make sure we are in the neighborhood because spreading misinformation here is very easy,” Mehmood said. “Last year, we did a walking tour across Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona going to 19 pharmacies in one day conducting outreach.”

NYC Care is a healthcare access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services offered by NYC Health+Hospitals to New Yorkers – regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay — who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance based on federal guidelines, according to its website.

Recently, NYC Health+Hospitals celebrated the program’s milestone in reaching over 125,000 members enrolled – that’s 382% from its first year, surpassing the original enrollment goal of 100,000 members.

SACSS congratulates NYC Health+Hospitals NYC Care program on their milestone achievement. We are proud to be a partner in helping New Yorkers benefit from this program, as they seek care with dignity and respect.