How to Get PrEP for Free in NYC in 2026: Every Option

Why NYC is one of the best cities for free PrEP access

New York State has made HIV prevention a genuine public health priority. The Ending the Epidemic (ETE) initiative, launched in 2014, set explicit targets for reducing HIV transmission and has funded a network of free PrEP services in NYC. The state and city operate overlapping programs specifically designed to make PrEP accessible to everyone — regardless of insurance, immigration status, or income.

For context: in 2026, NYC continues to operate some of the most progressive public health policies in the country. New York State also authorizes pharmacists to prescribe PrEP under certain conditions, expanding access beyond traditional clinic visits.

The three main pathways to free PrEP in NYC

Pathway 1: NYC Sexual Health Clinics (walk-in, free, no ID needed)

The NYC Department of Health operates eight Sexual Health Clinics across the five boroughs offering free PrEP. These are probably the most open-door free healthcare facilities in the country:

• No insurance required — it's free whether you have insurance or not
• No ID required — undocumented residents are explicitly welcome
• No appointment required for many services — walk-in PrEP evaluations are available at most clinics
• Confidential care — no parental notification for minors in most cases
• Language access — interpreters available in multiple languages

Services include free PrEP evaluation, medication (often a starter supply on-site; ongoing supply coordinated with pharmacies), HIV/STI testing, and follow-up care. Call 311 to find the nearest clinic, or visit NYC.gov and search "Sexual Health Clinic."

NYC Sexual Health Clinic locations (2026)

• Manhattan: Chelsea Clinic (303 Ninth Ave) and Riverside Clinic (160 W 100th St)
• Brooklyn: Fort Greene Clinic (295 Flatbush Ave Ext) and Crown Heights Clinic (1218 Prospect Pl)
• Bronx: Morrisania Clinic (1309 Fulton Ave)
• Queens: Jamaica Clinic (90-37 Parsons Blvd) and Corona Clinic (34-33 Junction Blvd)
• Staten Island: Richmond Clinic (51 Stuyvesant Pl)

Hours and walk-in availability vary by location. Call 311 or check NYC.gov for current information.

Pathway 2: New York State PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)

The New York State PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) is a state-funded program that covers PrEP for New Yorkers who don't have insurance or whose insurance doesn't fully cover PrEP.

• Income eligibility: ≤435% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$65,500/year for an individual in 2026)
• Coverage: Full PrEP medication coverage plus related medical visits and labs
• For insured patients: Covers copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with PrEP
• For uninsured patients: Full coverage through contracted providers
• Application: Through your PrEP provider or directly through the NYS Department of Health

PrEP-AP complements the ACA preventive services mandate — if your insurance isn't fully covering PrEP for some reason, PrEP-AP can fill the gap. To apply or learn more, visit the NYS Department of Health PrEP-AP page or call 1-800-542-2437.

Pathway 3: Online telehealth platforms

For many NYC residents, the fastest and easiest way to get free PrEP is an online telehealth platform. These services deliver PrEP to your NYC address, typically within 3–7 days of signup, with no in-person appointment required.

Advantages of telehealth for NYC residents specifically:

• No travel time (significant in a city this size)
• No waiting rooms
• Evening and weekend signup
• Discreet home delivery
• Available regardless of insurance

LGBTQ+-specialized NYC providers

For people who prefer LGBTQ+-affirming care with providers who specialize in the populations most served by PrEP, NYC has several excellent options.

Other NYC PrEP providers to know

Insurance considerations for NYC residents

New York Medicaid (NYS Medicaid / Medicaid Managed Care)

New York Medicaid covers PrEP at $0 — medication, office visits, and labs — under the combined ACA preventive services mandate and state-level coverage rules. To enroll, visit NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) or call 1-855-355-5777.

NYC Care

NYC Care is a program for NYC residents who can't afford or aren't eligible for health insurance — including undocumented residents. Members receive care at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities at low or no cost, including PrEP. Apply at nyccare.nyc or call 1-646-692-2273.

NY Essential Plan

For New Yorkers earning 138–200% FPL who don't qualify for Medicaid, the Essential Plan provides low-cost insurance with $0 PrEP coverage under the ACA. Available through NY State of Health.

Special circumstances

If you're undocumented in NYC

You have multiple free PrEP pathways regardless of immigration status:

• NYC Sexual Health Clinics serve everyone regardless of immigration status — no ID required, care is free and confidential
• NYC Health + Hospitals facilities serve everyone through NYC Care
• Gilead Advancing Access provides free Descovy/Yeztugo to uninsured patients regardless of immigration status (no SSN required)
• Community health centers like Callen-Lorde and CHN provide PrEP to undocumented residents

New York City has explicitly committed to serving all residents regardless of immigration status. Your immigration status does not affect your eligibility for any of these services.

If you're under 18 in NYC

New York State allows minors 14 and older to consent to their own PrEP care without parental involvement. NYC Sexual Health Clinics and Callen-Lorde specifically serve minors with confidential PrEP care.

If you need PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) urgently

PEP must be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. Call the NYC PEP Hotline at 844-373-7692 (844-3-PEPNYC) 24/7 for immediate guidance and referral to same-day PEP. NYC Sexual Health Clinics also provide PEP walk-in during clinic hours.

Frequently asked questions