When you work for yourself in New York, the official state resources are your most reliable starting point. They are free, they are neutral, and they are the actual source rather than a summary. The trouble is usually just knowing which one to open first.
This guide points you to the official New York resources that matter most for self-employed workers, and what each one is for.
Who this is for
Any self-employed New Yorker who wants to start with the official sources rather than secondhand information.
The resources to know
- NY State of Health: the state marketplace to shop and compare individual and family coverage.
- the Individuals and Families part of NY State of Health: the section built specifically for individuals and families.
- New York DFS: the state consumer hub for how coverage works.
- the Healthy NY program: a program aimed at working people and small businesses.
- the state consumer FAQ: plain answers to common questions.
How to use them
Start broad with NY State of Health to see the landscape, then use New York DFS and the state consumer FAQ to understand the details and your rights as a consumer. You do not have to absorb everything at once, just know where to look.
Official New York resources to start with
Everything above is official and free. Here they are again in one place.
- NY State of Health Marketplace: New York's official marketplace to shop and compare individual and family coverage.
- NY State of Health: Individuals and Families: The part of the state marketplace built for individuals and families.
- NY DFS: Healthcare in New York: The state Department of Financial Services consumer hub for health coverage.
- NY DFS: Healthy NY Program: A program aimed at working people and small businesses in New York.
- Your Rights as a Health Insurance Consumer: Plain guidance on your protections under New York law.
- NY DFS Health Insurance Consumer FAQ: Common New York health insurance questions, answered.
What to gather before you ask for help
A short list makes any conversation faster and more useful. Before you reach out, it helps to have these on hand:
- Your ZIP code and county in New York
- Your household size and an estimate of annual household income
- Your current coverage status, and whether any coverage is ending soon
- Whether you need coverage for just yourself or for a family
- Your work status, such as 1099, freelance, consulting, gig, or small business
- Any doctors, prescriptions, or coverage concerns you want to keep in mind
For a fuller walk-through, see our guide on what to gather before talking to a licensed professional.
Where licensed help fits
You can do a lot on your own using the official New York resources above. When the details get specific, such as how your income is counted or which option fits your situation, that is when talking to a licensed person helps. If a resource raises a question you cannot answer, that is a good time to ask a licensed person. You can also use NY State of Health or read the state consumer FAQ to check the facts yourself first.
Check your coverage options when you are ready, with no pressure and no cost to start.
A note on how this works
This page is for general information only. It does not promise eligibility, pricing, subsidies, plan availability, enrollment, or coverage. Health insurance options depend on your personal situation, location, income, household, and available plans. If you request help, your information may be routed to a licensed person who can review your situation and explain what options may be available.