How to Qualify for Medicaid in New York

If you live in New York State and lack health insurance because you can't afford it, you may qualify for the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid provides free health care coverage to eligible individuals and families. Most services and benefits are covered, but some may require a small co-payment, depending on your financial situation, age and other factors.



While there are general guidelines about qualifying for Medicaid in New York, the only surefire way to find out if you are eligible is by applying and having a Medicaid worker review your case.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you, or the person for whom you're applying, is a pregnant woman, a child, disabled, blind or older than 65. Medicaid typically covers members of these groups if they also have a low income and limited resources. In addition, if you have hefty medical bills and receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, you may qualify for Medicaid in New York.

• 2

  Find out if your income and resources meet the guidelines set by New York's Medicaid program. Income and resource limits are based on the number of people living with you and whether you are applying as a low-income household or as a disabled, blind or elderly person.

  For example, for a four-person family with children, the combined income per month must be $1,219 or lower. If you are disabled, blind or elderly, your monthly income for a household of four cannot exceed $1,452 and your combined resources cannot exceed $26,130. Refer to the Income & Resource Levels chart for details (see Resources).

• 3

  Gather documentation showing the following: your U.S. citizenship or legal status in the United States; your age (birth certificate); your income (recent pay stubs); any government benefits you receive such as Social Security; your New York State residency (rental agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill); health insurance card (if applicable); and Medicare card (if applicable).

  In addition, if you or someone who lives with you is elderly, disabled or blind, you must provide proof of resources such as bank account information and insurance policies. You'll need to show this documentation to Medicaid workers when you are applying to the program.

• 4

  If you live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, call the Human Resources Administration at 718-557-1399 or 877-472-8411 to find out if you qualify for Medicaid and how to apply.

  If you live elsewhere in New York State, contact your local department of social services by phone, mail or in person. Local social services department can be located through the state Department of Health directory (see Resources).