Healthcare Services for Native Community Members in NYC

The New York Indian Council (NYIC) provides comprehensive, culturally grounded healthcare services for Native individuals and families of all ages. Whether you need primary care, specialty treatment, dental or behavioral health services, our goal is to make sure you receive the care you deserve—with respect for your identity and traditions.

Our Wellness Case Managers will work with you one-on-one to assess your health needs and connect you with trusted Treatment Center partners across all five boroughs of New York City. We help coordinate appointments, follow-ups, and referrals so nothing falls through the cracks.

If you’re uninsured or underinsured, we can help you access free or low-cost health coverage through our insurance partners. Plans are available based on your income and family size, and we’ll walk you through the entire enrollment process.

NYIC is also a proud partner of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services and an active member of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing our commitment to Native health, empowerment, and advocacy in every community we serve.

Your Covered Care Includes:

    • Help enrolling in health insurance (Medicaid, Marketplace, and IHS-related programs)

    • In-person and virtual health education workshops

    • Wellness newsletters with Indigenous recipes, mindfulness tools, and prevention tips

    • Outreach at powwows, schools, and community events

    • Referrals to culturally competent medical providers

    • Free vaccines for all ages in partnership with Urban Health Plan

    • COVID-19, flu, childhood immunizations, and more

    • Education about vaccine safety and seasonal illness prevention

    • Individual, group, and family support for addiction and recovery

    • Virtual and in-person Talking Circles

    • School and community prevention education

    • Harm reduction, overdose prevention, and opioid safety

    • Transportation support for treatment appointments

    • Referrals to culturally informed therapists and behavioral health providers

    • Safe spaces for private telehealth sessions

    • Support for suicide prevention, depression, and domestic violence

    • Mental health screenings (PHQ-9, suicide risk)

    • Free mobile dental clinics twice per month via Jet Dental

    • Cleanings, X-rays, exams, fillings, and scaling

    • On-site and event-based access (including powwows)

    • Referrals for more complex procedures

    • Transportation assistance to dental appointments

    • One-on-one support with treatment planning and follow-up

    • Referrals for medical, dental, mental health, housing, legal aid, and more

    • Phone, email, or in-person assistance with forms, appointments, and services

    • Private rooms for telehealth and virtual therapy

    • In-office support for clients who need quiet, secure access to remote care

    • Health workshops in schools and public spaces

    • Events focused on:

      • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

      • HIV/STI prevention

      • Healthy relationships and emotional wellness

      • Indigenous cultural and recreational healing activities

NYIC Health Services: What’s Covered & How to Access Care

The New York Indian Council (NYIC) is proud to serve as New York City's Urban Indian Health Program (UIHP), providing culturally informed health services to eligible Urban Indian community members. Services are supported through federal Indian Health Service (IHS) funding and delivered in partnership with trusted providers across the city.

Service Coverage Policies

NYIC offers direct services and referrals for medical, dental, behavioral health, substance use, immunization, and wellness care as funded by our Indian Health Service contracts. However, please note:

  • We are only able to cover services arranged or referred by NYIC in advance.

  • NYIC cannot reimburse members for services they book or receive independently (i.e. without prior approval).

  • Our services are subject to allowable costs under IHS Medical Priority Levels, which means some procedures (like cosmetic surgeries or elective procedures) may not qualify for coverage.

What We Can Cover

Coverage is typically available for the following IHS-prioritized services when arranged through NYIC:

  1. Urgent and emergency care (Level I)

  2. Preventive care like immunizations, screenings, and annual exams (Level II)

  3. Primary and specialty care (Level III), including:

    • Dental cleanings and cavity fillings

    • Mental health therapy or substance use counseling

    • Chronic disease screenings and medication

  4. Behavioral health & recovery support, including:

    • Depression and suicide risk screening

    • Talking circles, culturally grounded therapy, and aftercare planning

    • Referrals to detox, medication-assisted treatment, or intensive services

  5. Transportation assistance to and from appointments, when necessary

Each request is evaluated based on your clinical needs, funding availability, and IHS criteria.

Why You Should Request Services Early

Plan ahead. Due to federal funding restrictions and limited appointment slots:

  • Services must be requested and approved before care is received

  • At least 2–4 weeks' notice is recommended for most services

  • Referrals, appointment bookings, and paperwork take time—early requests help us help you

Requesting early also gives us time to:

  • Coordinate with partner clinics and providers

  • Secure approvals if required under IHS guidelines

  • Ensure transportation or language access as needed

Who is Eligible?

NYIC provides services to eligible Urban Indian community members, which includes individuals who:

  • Reside in the NYC metropolitan area and

  • Are members or descendants of a federally or state-recognized Tribe, Alaska Native group, or otherwise meet eligibility under IHCIA (25 U.S.C. § 1603)

You must complete our enrollment form and provide documentation to access covered services. We’re here to help guide you through the process.