New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $3 million outreach initiative to help residents maintain Medicaid coverage and access food assistance and other benefits amid anticipated federal changes.

The program aims to guide New Yorkers through changes to Medicaid and SNAP, signaling a proactive effort to protect vulnerable residents from potential benefit loss.

Building on prior outreach, the initiative has already engaged more than 35,000 health care providers and 60,000 community and faith-based partners, and will add training and hire health insurance enrollment counselors.

HART workers will operate in neighborhoods most vulnerable to losing Medicaid, speaking 13 languages to reflect the city’s diverse communities.

The announcement aligns with broader state efforts on social supports, including universal free childcare and related services.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga described a coordinated citywide approach, while Health Commissioner Alister F. Martin said workers will reach into communities to connect residents with healthcare, housing, and financial resources.

Residents at risk of losing health insurance can call 347-655-0124 or visit nyc.gov/medicaidhelp for assistance from a Health Department enrollment counselor.

The Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) will deploy trained community health workers to assist with Medicaid and SNAP changes and to help enroll in or maintain health insurance, as well as address housing, eviction relief, and hospital bill concerns.

Context indicates the mayor’s administration is prioritizing social safety net protections during policy-change periods.

The focus remains on mitigating the potential impact of federal policy changes on healthcare and nutrition assistance for NYC residents.

The program responds to anticipated federal Medicaid work requirements taking effect on January 1, 2027, with officials estimating up to 900,000 New Yorkers could lose health coverage otherwise.