How to get a free abortion in New York

Abortion is legal in New York, and over the years, the state has made significant strides to make it increasingly accessible to its most marginalized residents, as well as to the growing number of people traveling here for care. However, much work remains for New York to fully live up to its claim of being an access state and abortion safe haven. This article does not intend to minimize the persistent barriers—financial, logistical, and cultural—that many still face when trying to access care in New York. Instead, its purpose is to highlight the resources that exist to navigate those barriers and to ensure people are informed about them, so they can access the care they need and deserve.

Private + Public Insurance

New York requires that both state regulated public and private health insurance cover abortion care without a deductible or copay. So, if you live in the state of New York and your insurance is regulated by New York state, it’s most likely your insurance is required to pay for your abortion.

However, if you have insurance through your employer or a family member but the insurance is regulated from another state, the insurance may not cover abortion services. If you’re unsure, call your insurance company and ask about coverage for abortion services.

Unfortunately, if you have health insurance through the federal government abortion will not be covered. This includes federal employees and their dependents, Peace Corps volunteers, Native Americans, and people in federal prisons and detention centers including those detained for immigration purposes. It’s always best to call and confirm with your insurance provider as to what’s covered under your plan.

It’s important to add that not all clinics accept every type of insurance. When you make the appointment, ask the clinic if they accept your specific insurance and if they don’t, consider finding another clinic. Use Ineedana.com/search to find other nearby clinics.

Medicaid in New York

Medicaid in New York covers the full cost of abortion care.

If you do not have insurance and you are a New York State resident, you may qualify for Medicaid. You can be eligible for Medicaid regardless of citizenship or immigration status, people who are undocumented can still qualify for Medicaid.

Visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or call 1-855-355-5777 to get enrolled.

The enrollment process will take between 30 to 60 minutes, and if you are approved, you will be able to use your Medicaid to cover the entire cost of an abortion within 48 hours of signing up. Some clinics can enroll you in medicaid the day of your appointment so you don’t have to pay. If you think you’re medicaid eligible, ask the clinic!

Eligibility for NY Medicaid is based on your household size and income level. As a pregnant person, medicaid counts an additional person in your household. So for example, if you have 3 people in your household (you, a partner and a child) you can add one more to your household with the pregnancy.

https://www.nyc.gov/assets/ochia/downloads/pdf/all_populations_medicaid.pdf

*”Pregnant women” is the language used by the state of New York and we know not all pregnant people identify as women.

Some clinics may not accept all types of Medicaid or have Medicaid cover abortion services after certain gestations, so be sure to ask the clinic. If the clinic does not accept Medicaid consider finding another clinic.

Medication Abortion in New York City

If you are seeking a medication abortion in New York City and are under 10 weeks pregnant, NYC Sexual Health Clinics are a great option. Free or low-cost medication abortions (abortion pills) are available at three of the NYC Sexual Health Clinic sites. You do not need to be a New York state resident to receive care, so even people traveling from out of state or country can get free medication abortions. There are also no age requirements either!

Call 347-396-7959 for clinic appointments. Walk-ins are also accepted until 2 p.m.

Minors

New York does not require parental consent or notification. Which means you can consent to abortion on your own! This is a great option for teens traveling from restricted states.

If you are a minor, a New York resident, and have health insurance through your parent or guardian but prefer to keep your abortion private, you can apply for Medicaid. Even if you already have insurance under your parent's plan, you are eligible to apply for Children’s Medicaid.

If you’re using your parent’s insurance, the insurance company may send information about the care you received (bills and lab results). And if you’re using Medicaid and don’t want to list your parents address, consider an alternative address.

Medication Abortion by Telehealth

If you plan to have the medication abortion, you can receive the pills by mail from various independent telehealth providers. On average, getting a medication abortion through a telehealth provider costs much less than getting an abortion in a clinic.

The New York Abortion Access Fund partners with Juniper Midwifery and Pills By Post. to offer sliding scale and free services. They will ship the pills within a few days to anywhere in New York state. Reach out to Juniper Midwifery or Pills by Post directly for financial assistance.

The hospital system of New York City also has a telehealth option. Visit Virtual ExpressCare to call 718-360-8981. Support is available in over 200 languages. You must be physically in New York to receive the pills by mail and at least 15 years old.

For more medication abortion options by mail visit https://www.plancpills.org/abortion-pill/new-york .

Additional support

The New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) supports anyone who is unable to pay fully for an abortion and is living in or traveling to New York State by providing financial assistance and connections to other resources.

If you are living in or traveling to New York State and are seeking funding for your abortion, please call (212) 252-4757 and leave a detailed message. You can also email NYAAF at intake@nyaaf.org .