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New York City Affirms Healthcare Rights for Immigrants, Highlights Available Resources
Apr 26, 2025
New York City officials are doubling down on efforts to ensure immigrant communities have access to healthcare and understand their rights. A roundtable discussion held April 18, 2025, brought together key figures to address concerns and disseminate information.
deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Suzanne Miles-Gustave, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse,Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro,and NYC Health + Hospitals’ (H+H) NYC Care Executive Director dr. Jonathan Jiménez, hosted the event, focusing on resources available regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
The discussion follows an open letter signed last month by agency leaders, reinforcing the right to healthcare access for all New Yorkers. the letter emphasizes privacy and outlines additional services, including health insurance and legal aid, for which immigrant residents may qualify.
City Leaders Emphasize Commitment
city leaders have voiced strong support for ensuring equitable access to vital services. “Today’s roundtable continues our commitment to ensuring that New Yorkers seek out critical health care, educational, and emergency services, regardless of immigration status,” saeid Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Suzanne miles-Gustave. “Whether you’re working to enroll your kids in school or need a primary care appointment, the city is here to support every individual, child, and family in the five boroughs.”
Miles-Gustave also acknowledged the importance of community partnerships, adding, “thank you to our partners around the table today and we look forward to continuing to work with ethnic and community media outlets to deliver trusted information to communities.”
Dr. Michelle Morse echoed this sentiment: “Immigrant new Yorkers are the heart of this city. The NYC Health Department is committed to protecting our immigrant neighbors and ensuring that they are able to receive care to live safe and healthy lives.”
MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro added, “I am proud to join my colleagues and city leaders to share more on the City’s “Know Your Rights” efforts for our immigrant communities. Immigrant New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, should feel safe when accessing our city resources and services.”
NYC Care: Healthcare Access for All
A key component of New York citys strategy is NYC Care, a healthcare access program providing comprehensive, low- or no-cost services through NYC Health + Hospitals. The program is specifically designed for New Yorkers who are ineligible for or cannot afford health insurance.
“In New York City,health care is a human right,” said Dr.Jonathan Jiménez,executive Director of NYC Care from NYC Health + Hospitals. “New Yorkers ineligible for health insurance can sign up for NYC Care,the City’s low- or no-cost health care access program. Your privacy is importent to us, and you are not required to share information about your immigration status to receive care when you visit our hospitals and clinics.”
Jiménez also extended his gratitude to fellow organizers: “I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Suzanne Miles-Gustave, Commissioner Castro and Commissioner morse for helping to organize this roundtable discussion. New Yorkers interested in learning more about NYC Care can visit NYCCare.NYC or call 646-692-2273.”
Addressing Fear and Misinformation
Adrienne lever, Executive Director of the Public Engagement Unit, highlighted the critical need to combat fear and misinformation within immigrant communities. “In today’s climate of fear and misinformation, too many immigrant New yorkers are avoiding the doctor or hospital—even when care is safe, free, and confidential,” said Lever. “That’s why the Public Engagement Unit is on the ground in communities, working to deliver trusted information and help connect all New Yorkers – regardless of their immigration status – to the health care they deserve.”
Know Your Rights Initiatives
The MOIA has launched a “Know Your Rights” campaign to educate immigrant New Yorkers about their rights when interacting with federal immigration enforcement. This initiative includes workshops and printed materials available at local community-based organizations and libraries. More information is available at www.nyc.gov/knowyourrights.
Immigrant Health Report Highlights Contributions and needs
The roundtable also showcased the newly released Immigrant Health Report,emphasizing the significant contributions of immigrant New Yorkers to the city’s health and economy. The report also addresses the unique health challenges faced by this population. Key findings include:
| Time in the U.S. | Percentage of NYC Immigrants |
|---|---|
| More than 10 years | 81% |
| 6 to 10 years | 13% |
| less than 5 years | 6% |
while the report celebrates the successes of immigrant communities, it also underscores the need for culturally competent healthcare services and targeted outreach programs to address specific health disparities.
