Stay healthy this Winter: Learn about free health resources and information in your area

In the Northeast, Winter is prime time for colds, influenza (flu), and other respiratory illnesses.  Although, contagious viruses are active year-round, fall and winter are when we’re all most vulnerable to them.  This is because most of us will be spending greater amount of time indoors.

If you don’t have health insurance getting a cold, flu, or other respiratory illness can also cause unnecessary financial stress.  The information below provides some useful prevention tips and information on health hotlines and resources for New Yorkers.

Some FDA Prevention Tips: How to Reduce the Chances of Getting Sick this Winter

If you have no medical insurance and are having a hard time accessing public health insurance options in New York, you can contact any of the following health and insurance hotlines for New Yorkers:

Office of the Attorney General Healthcare Helpline – 1-800-428-9071

Community Health Advocates Hotline – 888-614-5400.  Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.  Operators  answer questions regarding health insurance (Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Medicare, commercial insurance, the uninsured, etc) and health access.  They can also help find insurance, dispute insurance company denials, and help people with medical and hospital bills they can’t afford.

NY Health Options/Medicaid Helpline – 1-800-541-2831

Medicare Rights Center – 1-800-333-4114 (Statewide)

For legal Know Your Rights information on Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus & PCAP click here.