Medicaid Requirements in New York

Medicaid is a government entity that offers qualifying individuals and families free or low cost health care coverage. There are a number of ways individuals can qualify for Medicaid, including income, pregnancy and disability. The U.S. Department of Social Services determines eligibility based on the rules enstated by the federal government.

Income

• Individuals may qualify for Medicaid based on annual or monthly income. Income requirements for single individuals are $8,479 per year or $707 per month. Income requirements for the blind, disabled and those over 65 years of age is $9,200 a year or $767 per month. The amount of allowed income increases with the number of individuals who live in a home. Families with more than 10 individuals living in a home have an increased income rate of $99 per month for singles, couples without children and low income families. The blind, disabled and individuals over 65 with 10 or more individuals have an increase in income of $2,010 annually and $168 per month.

Pregnancy

• Pregnant women may qualify for Medicaid benefits even if they make too much money to qualify financially. Women who are pregnant and make more than the financial requirements may qualify if they have previous medical bills. Women must show proof of pregnancy when applying for Medicaid to qualify for coverage.

Disability and Age

• Individuals who are disabled or over the age of 65 may qualify for Medicaid with or without meeting the financial requirements. If an individual makes more than the financial requirements and has high medical bills, Medicaid may cover that person and those bills. Individuals who receive Social Security Income, or SSI, may qualify for Medicaid coverage.