Governor Hochul announces launch of new COVID-19 treatment hotline

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday the launch of a new free Hotline for those who test positive for COVID-19, but don’t have a health care provider, as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to keep New Yorkers protected throughout the pandemic. The Hotline, 888-TREAT-NY, was launched by the New York State Department of Health.

"We’ve made real progress in our fight against COVID-19, but as new variants continue to spread it’s important to continue to adapt and expand our efforts to protect New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "Our new COVID-19 treatment hotline will provide New Yorkers with better access to early treatments that help prevent severe illness."

All New Yorkers outside of New York City, regardless of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. New York City residents should call 212-COVID-19.

The Hotline is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and operated by experienced healthcare professionals who have the clinical training to prescribe treatment and referrals if needed.

The telemedicine visit will include a clinical assessment by medical providers who will identify the appropriate COVID-19 treatment plan, which may include a prescription for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. These oral antiviral medications have both been proven to decrease hospitalization for those that are at risk for severe disease. When given soon after positive COVID-19 diagnosis these antivirals also help fight infection and shorten recovery time.

As all treatments require a prescription, those who test COVID-19 positive should talk to their provider or call 888-TREAT-NY to determine what treatment is best for them. New York State is assigned a weekly allotment of both Paxlovid and Molnupiravir from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Under the agreement, insured patients will pay a co-pay amount based on their plan and the New York State Department of Health will cover the costs of the service for those without health care coverage.

Learn more about COVID-19 treatment options here.