Legal Aid Society: Health Law Unit

The Health Law Unit’s mission is to ensure low-income New Yorkers can live their healthiest lives. We provide direct legal services and advocate for informed policy change. We assist our clients in securing access to health insurance and to culturally competent health care, defend and expand patient rights, and empower individuals navigating the
health care system, striving to further social, racial, and economic equity for our clients and communities.

We operate a Statewide helpline and assist with a range of legal issues, including problems with: eligibility for public health insurance programs; denials or reductions of health care benefits and services; access to health care services for individuals who are uninsured; federal health care reform; medical debt issues; and disability rights and discrimination.

How to Get Help

Call our Access to Benefits Helpline at 888-663-6880 for assistance with a Medicaid, Medicare or other coverage denial or a federal disability benefit (SSI or SSDI) appeal. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.