Betances Health Center

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Paul Ramos (1941-2000)

Who was he?
Was a staunch advocate of affordable health care and social justice. As founder and Executive Director of Betances Health Center, Paul worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Lower East Side - and beyond - to meet the desperate need for accessible quality health care and social services. Paul founded Betances in 1970, and initially ran the agency out of a makeshift office above a pickle factory, delivering health services from a mobile medical unit. Largely through Paul's determination and hard work, Betances found a permanent home on Henry Street in the Lower East Side, one of New York City's most diverse immigrant communities, where it has become one of the leading comprehensive primary care facilities serving poor and low income community members. Paul guided Betances' accomplishments and status as an early provider of "culturally competent, holistic" care long before the terms became buzzwords over the center's four decade history. Over the center's three decade history, many came to see Paul as a modern day incarnation of the agency's namesake, Ramon Emeterio Betances, a 19th century Puerto Rican physician and poet known as the "Father of the Poor", who received a medical degree in Europe and then returned to Puerto Rico to found a hospital, defend the island against a cholera epidemic, and fight against slavery.

Visit Us:

280 Henry Street

New York, NY 10002

Tel: 212-227-8401

Fax: 212-227-8842

Any Other Info

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Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Betances Health Center open?

Monday           9am – 7pm
Tuesday           9am – 5pm
Wednesday     10am – 5pm
Thursday         9am – 7pm
Friday              9am – 5pm

How do I make an appointment?

Call 212-227-8401 or visit the center.

Do you accept same day visits?

Yes, Betances Health Center accepts “walk-in” appointments until 3pm. After 3pm, all patients will be assessed for urgency and seen accordingly or scheduled for another day. Patients will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis; however, patients with appointments are seen before walk-ins, unless urgent, which may result in longer wait times.

Can I choose which provider I want to see?

Yes, when making an appointment, please request the next available time with the provider you wish to see. Our staff will inform you if the provider you requested participates in your insurance plan. Keep in mind, appointment availability will vary based on provider.

What should I bring with me to register?

Photo identification
If you have insurance, your insurance card and any applicable co-payment
If you do not have insurance, please bring proof of income (e.g. pay stubs or tax return) and proof of residence (e.g. lease, utility bills, other bills addressed to you) to qualify for our sliding fee scale.

To ensure the best possible continuity of care, please bring the following documents if you have them:

A copy of your medical record
A list of your current medications and your medication bottles, including prescription medications, over-the counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamin, and eye drops
For children, a copy of their birth certificate and immunization record

What insurance do you accept?

LIST INSURANCES

If I do not have insurance, can Betances help me apply for public insurance programs (Medicare, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, ADAP)?

Yes, Betances patient services staff can assist qualified patients in applying for many public insurance programs.

How do I get there?
We are located at 280 Henry Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Click here to map the directions from your location.
By Subway: Take the F train to East Broadway

By Bus: Take the M22 to the corner of Madison Street and Gouverneur Street

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