Geena Garcia, Policy Intern
Recent guidelines from the New York State Department of Health announced that the state’s Medicaid program will consider patient evaluation, testing, and treatment regarding COVID-19 as emergency services. This means that undocumented New Yorkers will not be turned away if they seek medical attention regarding COVID-19.
Undocumented New Yorkers will be able to be evaluated for a test, just like everyone else, based on factors like their age, underlying conditions, and presence of symptoms. If a clinician determines that a test should be performed, the patient will also be able to get tested for COVID-19. If a test is performed and its result is positive, and a clinician decides the patient should receive treatment, the patient will receive treatment and will not be turned away because of their immigration status. There is no copay for any of these COVID-19 related emergency services.
We at CDF-NY thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his leadership during these demanding times, and for standing up for undocumented New Yorkers, who face unique challenges in accessing healthcare.
For more information, please visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home