The short answer
Yes. In New York State, the evaluation and all Early Intervention services in your child’s plan cost you nothing. You pay no co-payments and no deductibles, even when health insurance helps pay.
Who pays for Early Intervention?
New York State law says Early Intervention services must be provided at no cost to parents. The city or county and the state pay what insurance does not.
If you have health insurance, it may be used to help pay. This includes Medicaid and Child Health Plus. Your service coordinator asks about your plan and explains how it is used.
What if I do not have insurance?
Your child still gets every service in their plan, including the evaluation and service coordination. The same is true if you choose not to share your insurance information.
Does Early Intervention affect my insurance?
If your plan is regulated by New York State insurance law, the state protects your benefits:
- Payments for Early Intervention do not count against your plan’s yearly or lifetime limits.
- Early Intervention visits do not reduce the health care visits your child can use.
- Your insurer cannot drop your coverage or raise your premium only because your child gets Early Intervention.
What if my plan is from another state?
Some plans are not regulated by New York State, such as a plan issued in another state. Early Intervention bills that plan only if you give written consent. You can say no, and your child still gets services.
Is there anything I might pay for?
If services take place at a child care program or community location that charges a fee, you pay that fee. The services themselves stay free.
How do I start?
You do not need a doctor’s referral. Any parent can refer their child.
In New York City, call 311 and ask for Early Intervention, or use the city’s online referral portal. You can also send us a referral, and a staff member calls you back.
Sources
- New York State Department of Health: Health insurance information (opens in a new tab)
- New York State Department of Health: Parent’s questions and answers (opens in a new tab)
- NYC Health: Early Intervention (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your child’s doctor about your child.