Starting a new life in New York City can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting medical care. Many refugees arrive with urgent health needs, language barriers, and uncertainty about how the healthcare system works.
The good news is that affordable healthcare for refugees in NYC is accessible, and Community Healthcare Network (CHN) is one of the trusted providers helping refugees get the screenings, support, and treatment they need.
CHN’s Refugee Health Program partners with resettlement agencies and community organizations to ensure every new American receives comprehensive, culturally sensitive care, regardless of income or insurance status.
From medical check-ups and vaccines to mental health screenings, primary care, and social service referrals, CHN provides a clear path to better health for individuals and families rebuilding their lives.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What Healthcare Services Are Available for Refugees in NYC?
- Where Can Refugees Get Affordable Healthcare in NYC?
- How the Refugee Health Program Works at CHN
- Language & Cultural Support for Refugees
- How to Start Receiving Care at CHN
- FAQs: Affordable Healthcare for Refugees in NYC
- Conclusion: A Strong, Healthy Start for Every New New Yorker
Key Takeaways
- Refugees in NYC can access affordable, comprehensive care through CHN’s Refugee Health Program, including screenings, vaccinations, and long-term primary care.
- Mental health support is a core part of refugee healthcare, with trauma-informed screenings and counseling for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- CHN offers care across multiple boroughs, making it easy for refugees to receive services close to home.
- Language barriers are addressed through interpretation services and bilingual staff, ensuring every patient is understood and supported.
Refugees can get started through resettlement agencies or by self-referring, with CHN providing care regardless of insurance status or documentation challenges.
What Healthcare Services Are Available for Refugees in NYC?
Refugees often arrive with urgent medical needs, gaps in past healthcare, or unresolved trauma. CHN’s Refugee Health Program is designed to provide a complete health assessment and connect individuals with ongoing care, all in one place.
1. Medical Screenings and Vaccines
Refugees can receive a complete health evaluation tailored to resettlement requirements, including:
- Full medical check-up
- Vaccinations (shots) for school, work, and immigration requirements
- Lab tests to check overall health
- Screenings for infectious diseases
These services help ensure every refugee starts with a solid medical foundation.
2. Mental Health Screenings for PTSD, Depression & Anxiety
Many refugees have experienced trauma before arriving in the U.S. CHN provides trauma-informed behavioral health screenings for:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
If a refugee needs further support, CHN can connect them to ongoing counseling or psychiatric care.
3. Primary Care & Chronic Condition Support
After the initial screening, refugees can continue receiving affordable primary care through CHN, including:
- Pediatric and adult primary care
- Diabetes, asthma, and hypertension care
- Women’s health and OB/GYN
- Preventive care and ongoing wellness visits
This helps refugees manage both immediate and long-term health needs.
4. Referrals to Additional Services
CHN connects refugees to a wide range of supportive services, such as:
- Social work
- Health education
- Nutrition counseling
- Dental care
- Foot care
- Behavioral health services
This whole-person approach ensures refugees receive coordinated care that supports their physical and emotional well-being.
Where Can Refugees Get Affordable Healthcare in NYC?
CHN offers refugee health services across multiple neighborhoods, making it easier for individuals and families to receive care close to home. All locations provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support and access to interpretation services.
CHN Health Centers Offering the Refugee Health Program
Refugees can receive screenings, primary care, and referrals at the following CHN sites:
These centers are located across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, ensuring that refugees have accessible healthcare options throughout NYC.
How the Refugee Health Program Works at CHN
CHN’s Refugee Health Program is designed to be simple, supportive, and accessible, especially for people navigating the U.S. healthcare system for the first time. Here’s what refugees can expect from start to finish.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your health needs and making sure you receive all required screenings.
A first visit typically includes:
- A full medical exam
- Vaccinations based on age and resettlement requirements
- Lab tests
- Screening for PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Time to discuss any symptoms, past medical care, or concerns
This visit creates a health baseline that helps CHN build your long-term care plan.
How Referrals and Follow-Up Care Work
If you need additional services, CHN will connect you to the right specialists or programs. This may include:
- Social work support
- Nutrition and health education
- Dental and foot care
- OB/GYN and family planning
- Behavioral health counseling
Care Managers and providers help coordinate appointments so refugees don’t have to navigate the system alone.
What Documents Do Refugees Need to Receive Care?
Refugees often worry they need many documents to start healthcare, but at CHN, the process is flexible.
Most patients need only:
- Identification (any form is helpful, but not required for urgent care)
- Proof of refugee or asylee status (if available)
CHN does not turn patients away for lack of insurance. Staff can also help refugees apply for coverage they may qualify for.
Language & Cultural Support for Refugees
For many refugees, the most significant barrier to healthcare isn’t cost, it’s communication. CHN is committed to ensuring that every patient feels heard, understood, and respected, regardless of their language or cultural background.
Interpretation Services Available
CHN provides access to over-the-phone interpretation in dozens of languages, making it easy for refugees to communicate directly with their care team during appointments.
This includes:
- Medical interpretation in real time
- Support during check-in and scheduling
- Assistance in understanding test results and follow-up instructions
Bilingual Staff Across CHN Centers
Many CHN sites have bilingual staff who can help refugees with intake, health education, and general support. This helps build trust and reduce confusion during the first few visits.
Trauma-Informed, Culturally Aware Care
Refugee experiences vary widely, but many people have survived conflict, displacement, or significant trauma. CHN trains its teams to provide care that is:
- Compassionate
- Nonjudgmental
- Sensitive to cultural norms
- Respectful of emotional experiences
This approach ensures refugees feel safe and supported while rebuilding their health and well-being.
How to Start Receiving Care at CHN
Getting connected to CHN’s Refugee Health Program is simple, and support begins the moment you walk through the door or reach out through a partner agency. Here’s how refugees can begin receiving affordable, comprehensive care.
Working With Resettlement Agencies
Most refugees are connected to CHN through local and national resettlement organizations. These agencies help schedule initial medical screenings and ensure individuals receive timely care during the first weeks in the U.S.
Common partners include:
- Refugee resettlement agencies
- Community-based organizations
- Legal aid groups supporting asylum seekers
These partnerships help refugees receive care quickly and safely.
Self-Referral Option
Refugees and asylees do not need to wait for an organization to contact CHN. Individuals and families can walk into any CHN location offering the Refugee Health Program or call to request an appointment. Visit our Appointments Page to request an appointment.
What Happens After Enrollment
Once enrolled, refugees are connected to:
- A primary care provider
- Behavioral health services (if needed)
- Social service referrals
- Ongoing follow-up appointments
CHN becomes a medical home, providing long-term, affordable care for individuals and families adjusting to life in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do refugees in NYC get free healthcare?
Refugees and asylees often qualify for free or low-cost healthcare through safety-net providers like CHN. Many services, including screenings and vaccines, are provided at no cost to the patient.
What medical screenings do refugees receive?
Refugees receive a complete medical exam, lab tests, vaccinations, and screenings for PTSD, depression, and anxiety as part of their initial health assessment.
Can refugees get mental health support?
Yes. CHN offers trauma-informed counseling and behavioral health services to help refugees manage PTSD, anxiety, depression, and stress related to displacement.
Do refugees need insurance to get care at CHN?
No. CHN provides care regardless of insurance status and can help refugees apply for coverage if they qualify.
What languages does CHN support?
CHN provides over-the-phone interpretation in many languages and has bilingual staff across multiple health centers to support refugees during their visits.
Conclusion: A Strong, Healthy Start for Every New New Yorker
Accessing healthcare in a new country can feel overwhelming, but refugees in NYC don’t have to navigate it alone. CHN’s Refugee Health Program provides affordable, comprehensive care, from medical screenings and vaccines to trauma-informed mental health support and long-term primary care.
With services offered across multiple boroughs, plus interpretation, cultural understanding, and referrals to social services, CHN ensures refugees receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Healthcare is the foundation for rebuilding a stable life. By offering clear guidance, compassionate support, and a trusted medical home, CHN helps refugees begin their next chapter with confidence and peace of mind.
Start Your Care With CHN’s Refugee Health Program
If you or someone you know recently arrived in NYC, CHN is ready to help. Visit CHN’s Refugee Health Program page to get started.