New York City has launched the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) to help residents at risk of losing benefits because of federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, new work requirements and paperwork requirements will apply to Medicaid.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Oct. 19 that the city, together with the Department of Health, is activating the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART). The team helps residents who could lose health insurance or food assistance because of the federal overhaul of Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to enroll in and keep coverage and apply for various forms of assistance. The city estimates that up to 900,000 New Yorkers could lose Medicaid benefits.
On March 1, the federal government expanded SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Thousands of residents who were previously exempt must now meet the requirements to keep their benefits. For Medicaid, new work requirements and additional paperwork requirements will apply starting Jan. 1, 2027. The city said it will first reach out to those most likely to be affected, including residents who have already lost SNAP benefits.
HART is staffed by trained community health workers, supported by community organizations and volunteers. In addition to helping people enroll in and keep health coverage, they provide guidance on applying for food and cash assistance, housing assistance and eviction prevention, and relief from medical bills. The health workers speak a total of 13 languages. The program is funded with $3 million from the city's fiscal year 2027 budget.
Residents who need help can call 347-665-0214 to speak with a Department of Health enrollment counselor, or visit nyc.gov/medicaidhelp. So far, the city has sent related information to more than 35,000 health care providers and more than 60,000 community and faith-based organizations, and has held more than 50 education and outreach events. It is also hiring additional enrollment counselors.