Characteristics and Health Insurance Coverage of New York’s Noncitizens

This report, by the United Hospital Fund, shows that noncitizens represent a large and disproportionate share of New York’s uninsured population. Nearly 30% of the State’s 2.3 million uninsured people are noncitizens and noncitizens are three times more likely to be uninsured than citizens.

Noncitizens tend to be low-wage workers without access to employer-sponsored coverage, and immigration concerns may deter them from enrolling in public programs. Policymakers should consider these challenges when making immigration policy decisions, and consider health insurance options that do not require citizenship for coverage.