How to Apply for Medicaid in New York: What You Need to Know

If you’re a New York resident who needs help paying for healthcare, Medicaid could be an affordable option available to you. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that offers free or low-cost coverage for eligible individuals and families that includes children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Medicaid covers long-term care including nursing homes, personal care, and home care.  

Medicaid is designed for people with low-income and limited resources while Medicare is primarily for individuals 65 years and older. Learn the benefits of the program and how to apply for Medicaid benefits as a resident of the New York State.  

Medicaid Benefits in New York State 

New York Medicaid covers a wide range of services and benefits. Some of the benefits you would be eligible for are:  

1. Doctor visits and hospital care: Medicaid in NY covers medically necessary physician and hospital services. It could include laboratory tests, X-rays, and diagnostics. A lesser-known benefit is coverage of the transportation cost to medical appointments.  

2. Prescription medications: Medicaid covers prescription medications through NY State Pharmacy Program. There are small copayments for prescription, but many FDA-approved and medically necessary drugs are covered. 

3. Mental health and substance use treatment: Behavioral health services and substance use disorder treatments are covered under Medicaid. Therapy, counselling, or inpatient psychiatric hospital care are covered according to your case.  

4. Dental and Vision Care: NY Medicaid provides extensive dental care, i.e. preventive care, X-rays, fillings, dentures and more. For vision, eye exams, and prescription, eyeglasses are covered.  

5. Long-term care and home health services: Other important benefits are home health services, personal care, and self-directed care programs. Self-directed care programs allow you to hire a family member or a trusted person to care for you and help with daily living activities. This is covered by Medicaid, so it is at no cost to you.  

Who Can Qualify?  

As of November 2025, these are the eligibility criteria that are looked at when you are applying: 

1. Residency and Immigration Status: You must live in New York State and be a U.S. citizen or a ‘lawfully present’ immigrant. Some programs also cover undocumented immigrants who are 65 or older or need emergency services 

2. Income Requirements: Income limits to be eligible depend on other criteria like disability, pregnancy, age.  

3. Asset/Resource Limits: Other than income, your assets like stock and bank accounts are counted. Some assets like your home, vehicle, and household goods are not counted.  

4. Special groups: Foster children, pregnant people with different income rules, and people requiring long-term care/nursing facility level of care are considered under different income and asset limits.   

You can find the most up to date eligibility criteria and limits on the New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities website.

Where to Apply for Medicaid in New York? 

When applying for Medicaid in New York State, you typically need to provide documentation that proves your identity, income, residency, and other assets. You can apply for Medicaid at any time of the year since there is no open enrollment period.  

There are three ways to apply for Medicaid in New York which you can use based on your convenience.

1. Online

The fastest and convenient way is through the official NY State of Health portal. Once you create an account, you will have to provide the following documentations for verification, and you can check your status here once you apply.

You’ll need to create an account and provide:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax forms)

• Social Security numbers

• Immigration or citizenship documents

2. Through Your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS)

If you are 65 or older, have a disability, are on Medicare, or need long-term care services, you typically apply through your local county’s Department of Social Services. You can find your local office here: NY Medicaid Application Info

They can help you submit forms, provide eligibility guidance, and process more complex Medicaid applications (like long-term care or spend-down programs).

3. By Phone

If you do not have access to a computer or want help from someone to understand the process. You can also apply by calling the Medicaid Helpline at 800-541-2831 for guidance.

You can also speak with a Marketplace Navigator at 855-355-5777 for free help with your application. They can help you complete the application over the phone or guide you on the next steps.

After You Apply

Once you apply, the Medicaid office takes 45 days to verify and process the documents, and you’ll receive a notice of approval or denial within 45 days (or sooner).

If approved, you’ll get a Medicaid card and may be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO). However, if denied, you can appeal the decision.

Need Help Applying?

Navigators and assistors are available to help you apply, understand your options, and gather documents. You can call them on 855-355-5777

You can also contact us and our team on 833-447-3326 and we will be happy to guide you through the process. Health coverage is always possible, so apply today and take the first step towards taking control of your healthcare.