What Resources Are Allowed for Family Health Plus?

Family Health Plus is a public health insurance program for low-income adults ages 19 through 64 administered by the New York State Department of Health. It is available for singles, couples without children, and parents. The program has set limits for eligibility depending on income status, as well as citizenship and immigration requirements. While registering for the program is not too difficult, you should know what resources are allowed in order to qualify.

Single Resources

• For a single individual without children, the maximum qualifying income is $10,830 per year, or $903 per month. This income level is on par with the defined New York State poverty line.

Family Resources

• The income level allowed for families to qualify for Family Health Plus depends on family size. As of 2011, for a couple with no children the qualifying maximum combined income is $14,710 per year. Couples with children are allowed to receive benefits for dependents up until the child reaches 21 years of age. For a family of two, defined as one parent or legal guardian and one dependent below 21, the maximum annual income for eligibility is set at $22,065. The maximum income criterion increases with family size. A family of three is allowed an income of $27,795, and for each additional family member, eligibility requirements allow for an additional $5,730 per year.

Other Insurance Coverage

• If you have another form of insurance coverage, such as through federal, state, municipal or school district programs, you are not eligible to enroll in Family Health Plus. However, if you receive employer-sponsored benefits, you may be eligible for the Family Health Plus Premium Assistance. This program, which began in 2007, is part of the State initiative to recognize that health savings can be achieved through making better use of private insurance options. The program allows for individuals receiving private insurance to receive modified benefits to help cover the costs of deductibles, premiums and co-payments.

Resource Test

• Effective as of January 1, 2010, there is no longer a resource test requirement to enroll in Family Health Plus. The resource test was a verification of applicants' assets to assess financial eligibility. However, enrollment still requires proper documentation of income, and applicants need to be prepared to demonstrate not only wage income, but also any interest or dividends from investments and other holdings.

Union Benefits

• Low-income union members may also be eligible for coverage through the Family Health Plus Buy In Program. This branch of the program grants the same maximum income standards as Family Health Plus, and allows low-wage earning union members to purchase additional medical coverage at low cost to help defray medical expenses.