Who is eligible for Medicaid in NY for seniors?

Asked by: Dr. Leland Bartell  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (16 votes)

Persons over 65 who are not a parent or caretaker relative of minor children, anyone who has Medicare, and persons seeking to qualify for Medicaid based on a disability must apply for coverage through New York City's Human Resources Administration (HRA). Call 347-396-4705 for free enrollment assistance.

How can an elderly person qualify for Medicaid?

Here are the ways that dually eligible seniors might qualify for Medicaid. If you get monthly financial assistance through SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. If you qualify for an MSP based on your income, you are eligible for partial Medicaid benefits.

How do I check my NYS Medicaid eligibility?

Call the HRA Medicaid Helpline at 888-692-6116. Log in or create your ACCESS HRA account at nyc.gov/accesshra, then click the "Benefits" tab at the top of the screen and click "View Details" on your Medicaid case. See below for detailed instructions. Go to ACCESS HRA and log in or create an account.

What is the asset limit for Medicaid in NY?

For new Medicaid applications submitted between January 1, 2024, seeking community Medicaid benefits, an individual is allowed to keep non-exempt resources of $31,175 (up from $30,182 in 2023) and income of $1,732 plus a $20 unearned income credit (up from $1,677 plus a $20 unearned income credit in 2023).

How do I protect my assets from Medicaid in NY?

A popular strategy to protect your resources and still become eligible for Medicaid long term care benefits is by establishing a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). When you transfer your assets in a MAPT, Medicaid will not count the money in the trust toward its resource limit.

Medicaid Eligibility - Medicaid Income and Asset Limits – 2024

36 related questions found

Is social security considered income for Medicaid?

It is essential to know that Social Security benefits are not exempt from Medicaid. Payments you receive from Social Security are counted as income.

How does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can and will look at your balance from any bank account you've had in the last five years and they may also conduct property checks using public records. To track of all of this information and annually update and confirm it, New York's Medicaid program uses an Asset Verification System (AVS).

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:
  • State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
  • Primary care case management (PCCM)
  • Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
  • Limited-benefit plans.

How does NY Medicaid verify income?

The Medicaid program has access to Internal Revenue Service records and will use the applicant's Social Security Number to find any unreported sources of income.

How can senior citizens get free money from the government?

Government Benefits for Seniors Over 65
  1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal disability insurance program.
  2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal cash assistance program for low-income people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.

How often does Medicaid check your income?

Yes, income and assets have to be verified again for Medicaid Redetermination. After initial acceptance into the Medicaid program, redetermination is generally every 12 months. The redetermination process is meant to ensure the senior Medicaid beneficiary still meets the eligibility criteria, such as income and assets.

What is the best health insurance for seniors over 70?

Medicare is the best health insurance for retirees and seniors. You can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or private, bundled coverage, called Medicare Advantage.

Is Medicaid free for seniors?

Beyond routine and acute health care services, Medicaid covers long-term care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities. Since the program serves populations with limited resources, people who have Medicaid pay few to no out-of-pocket costs for their benefits.

Who is eligible for Medicaid in NY in 2024?

For 2024, the income limits for both Community and Institutional Medicaid are: Married (both spouses applying): $2,351/month. Married (one spouse applying): $1,732/month for the applicant. Single: $1,732/month.

Can you own a home and get Medicaid in NY?

In New York, an applicant for Medicaid cannot own more than approximately $16,000 in assets. (Bank accounts, annuities, cash value of life insurance policies, etc., are counted.) While the Medicaid recipient is living in his or her home, it will be exempt.

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

Can social services see my bank account?

According to the California Department of Social Services, if you don't have pay stubs or an income statement from your employment, the caseworker at the food stamp office may use the bank records to prove your income.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

If you're wondering about the amounts for these SSI checks, the SSA has set a maximum monthly amount of $943 for individuals and up to $1,415 for couples in 2024. Some states even offer additional SSI supplements, increasing the overall payment for residents of places like California and New York.