04/26/2026
APPLYING FOR MEDICAID IN NY STATE
✅ 1. Basic Eligibility (must meet all)
You generally must:
Live in New York State
Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
Have a Social Security number (in most cases)
Meet income limits based on household size and category
💰 2. Income Limits (most important factor)
For adults under 65 (most common case)
About $1,836/month ($22,025/year) for 1 person
That equals ~138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Examples (2026 estimates)
1 person: ~$22,025/year
2 people: ~$29,864/year
Higher limits for certain groups:
Pregnant women / infants: up to ~223% FPL (~$2,966/month)
Children (1–18): up to ~154% FPL
👉 If your income is too high, you may still qualify through:
“Spend-down” (excess income program)
🏦 3. Asset (Resource) Limits
Depends on category:
✔️ Under age 65 (MAGI Medicaid)
No asset limit (this is key)
✔️ Age 65+, disabled, or long-term care
Assets typically limited to about:
$33,038 (single)
$44,796 (married)
Assets include:
Cash, bank accounts, investments
But home, car, personal items are often exempt
👨👩👧 4. Categories That Qualify
You must fall into one of these groups:
Adults (19–64) with low income
Children
Pregnant individuals
Parents/caretakers
Seniors (65+)
Disabled or blind individuals
📄 5. Documents You’ll Need
Typical proof required:
Identity (license, passport)
Address (utility bill, lease)
Income (pay stubs, benefits letters)
Citizenship/immigration status
🧠 Key Things People Miss
You can apply year-round (no deadline)
Coverage can be retroactive up to 3 months
If you’re slightly over income, you may qualify for:
Essential Plan (NY) instead of Medicaid
👍 Bottom line
To qualify for NY Medicaid in 2026:
Keep income roughly under ~$22K (single) unless in a higher-limit group
Meet residency + documentation rules
Asset limits only apply if 65+ or disabled
If you need help, call us 516-683-3333. We do not charge any fee for assistance.