Health Access &
Social Services

We provide assistance (English, Chinese, Spanish) for community members seeking to enroll in public benefits and health insurance programs. Due to language and cultural differences, many immigrant community members, especially older adults, hesitate to apply for these essential city, state and federal programs. Our counselors are experts in navigating government agencies on behalf of our clients.

Medicare and Medicaid Applications: We help community members apply for and renew Medicaid and Medicare benefits and to resolve Medicaid billing issues. Staff help clients gather and translate documents, navigate government application portals and troubleshoot any problems that arise.

Affordable Health Care Enrollment: AAFE provides assistance to community members applying for health care through the New York State of Health Marketplace.We also provide community education and outreach to ensure that low-income residents understand eligibility and application requirements. Staff members help clients process recertification applications and help advocate for clients to resolve medical billing issues.

SNAP Applications: We can help process applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that makes it possible for low-income community members to purchase healthy food for their household.

SSI Applications: Assistance is available for families and seniors eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal program that provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter.

HEAP Enrollment: AAFE counselors help community members apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Reduced Fare MetroCard Applications: Available for riders 65+ and people with qualifying disabilities.

Smoking Cessation: AAFE provides assistance to community members who wish to quit smoking.