New York Medicaid

• New York Medicaid is a health program, rather than an insurance plan. The state extends Medicaid health benefits to residents deemed financially needy according to the eligibility guidelines dictated by the state. You may qualify for Medicaid if you meet financial requirements, have overwhelming medical bills or are a recipient of Supplemental Security Income. The state's financial guidelines are more lenient for children and pregnant women than for other individuals.
  
  

Child Health Plus

• New York State participates in the federal Children's Health Insurance Plan, available to low-income families with children who do not qualify for Medicaid. Known as Child Health Plus, this health plan provides comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, mental and preventive health services. Your household size and family income determines your eligibility, as well as the amount of your monthly premium should you qualify for the program. Child Health Plus is available to qualifying children under age 19, as well as some pregnant women who do not qualify for Pregnancy Medicaid.
  
  

NY Bridge Plan

• If you suffer from a pre-existing health condition and legally reside in New York State, you may qualify for the state-sponsored pre-existing condition health plan, known as the NY Bridge Plan. Group Health Incorporated administers the plan to residents without health coverage for the six months prior to applying, and who have pre-existing conditions for which they cannot find coverage. However, coverage through this plan is only available until January 2014, when all health insurance providers must accept applicants regardless of pre-existing health conditions as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
  
  

Private Insurance

• If you do not qualify for government-sponsored health plans, you can purchase your own health insurance privately or through an employer's health insurance group plan. However, in January 2014, anyone without access to an employer's health insurance plan can purchase insurance through an insurance exchange, a competitive marketplace for health insurers. At this time, you will not experience discrimination for pre-existing conditions, and you may qualify for a federal tax credit to help you pay for your insurance premiums if your income is between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty limit.