Healthfirst Essential Plan: Free Health Insurance in NY
The Healthfirst Essential Plan provides free health insurance with $0 premiums for eligible New Yorkers. Enroll via nyhealthinsurer.com—call (888) 215-4045.
For a broader overview, check out our comprehensive New York Essential Plan guide.
What Is the Healthfirst Essential Plan?
The Healthfirst Essential Plan is part of the New York Essential Plan, offering free health insurance with $0 premiums through the NY State of Health marketplace. Healthfirst, a leading insurer in NY, focuses on providing accessible healthcare, particularly in NYC and surrounding areas like Long Island and Westchester. Known for its emphasis on technology-driven care, Healthfirst offers perks like 24/7 telehealth services, making it ideal for busy urban residents who need flexible healthcare options.
Healthfirst’s Essential Plan is designed to meet the needs of diverse communities, ensuring members have access to medical, dental, and vision care without financial strain.
Healthfirst Essential Plan Benefits
Healthfirst offers a robust set of benefits under the Essential Plan, tailored for New Yorkers:
- Medical Care: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and preventive services like annual checkups and vaccinations. For example, you can get a free wellness exam in Manhattan.
- Dental Care: Includes cleanings (twice a year), exams, X-rays, and fillings, with some plans covering additional procedures like root canals for a small copay.
- Vision Care: Provides annual eye exams and a pair of glasses or contacts, up to a $100 allowance.
- Prescriptions: Covers generic and brand-name medications with low copays (e.g., $0 for generics, $3–$6 for brand-name drugs).
- Healthfirst-Specific Perks:
- 24/7 Telehealth: Access virtual doctor visits anytime, perfect for non-emergency issues like colds or allergies, especially for busy professionals in NYC.
- $0 Copays for Select Prescriptions: Many generic medications have $0 copays, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Healthfirst’s focus on telehealth makes it a great choice for urban residents. Compare with other insurers in our Fidelis Care and UnitedHealthcare guides.
Healthfirst telehealth service for Essential Plan members
Member Stories: How Healthfirst Helps New Yorkers
Maria’s Story: Brooklyn
Maria, a 35-year-old from Brooklyn, enrolled with Healthfirst. “The telehealth service has been a lifesaver—I can see a doctor without leaving home,” she says. Maria also benefits from free dental cleanings, which have saved her hundreds of dollars.
Linda’s Story: Long Island
Linda, a 50-year-old from Long Island, chose Healthfirst for its comprehensive coverage. “The $0 copays for my medications make a huge difference,” she shares. Linda appreciates the ease of accessing care in her area.
Who Qualifies for the Healthfirst Essential Plan?
Eligibility for the Healthfirst Essential Plan follows NY Essential Plan criteria:
- Residency: Live in areas served by Healthfirst, such as NYC, Long Island, or Westchester.
- Age: Be aged 19 to 64.
- Income: Have an income between 100% and 250% of the FPL. For exact figures, see our income eligibility guide.
- Immigration Status: Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible immigrant (including DACA recipients).
- Other Insurance: Not be enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare.
Confirm your eligibility by speaking with our licensed brokers at nyhealthinsurer.com.
How to Enroll with Healthfirst
Enrolling with Healthfirst through nyhealthinsurer.com is easy:
- Check Eligibility: Contact our brokers to verify your income, residency, and other requirements.
- Review Healthfirst Plans: Explore Healthfirst’s offerings, including telehealth and $0 copays, with our guidance.
- Select a Plan: Choose Healthfirst with the help of our experts, ensuring it meets your needs.
- Complete Enrollment: Finalize your application with our support, making the process seamless.
Enrollment is open year-round. Contact our team to get started.
Where Is Healthfirst Available?
Healthfirst is available in NYC (all five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island) and surrounding areas like Long Island and Westchester. For example, in Queens, Healthfirst partners with local clinics to provide accessible care, while in Long Island, members can use telehealth for convenient consultations. Confirm availability in your area with our brokers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthfirst Essential Plan
What makes Healthfirst’s Essential Plan unique?
Healthfirst offers 24/7 telehealth and $0 copays for select prescriptions, making it ideal for busy urban residents in NYC and surrounding areas.
What benefits does Healthfirst provide?
It includes medical, dental, and vision care, plus 24/7 telehealth and $0 copays for many generic medications.
How does Healthfirst’s telehealth work?
Healthfirst’s telehealth allows you to consult a doctor virtually 24/7 for non-emergency issues, perfect for busy New Yorkers in areas like Manhattan.
Where is Healthfirst available?
Healthfirst serves NYC (all five boroughs), Long Island, and Westchester. Confirm availability with our brokers.
How do I enroll with Healthfirst?
Contact our brokers at nyhealthinsurer.com to check eligibility, review plans, and enroll with Healthfirst’s support.
Call (888) 215-4045 or visit nyhealthinsurer.com for more information.