How to apply for Medicaid in New York

Follow CHCA’s step-by-step guide to applying for Medicaid in New York.

Step 1. Check eligibility

New York State Department of Health determines eligibility using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Rules. In general, income is counted with the same rules as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with minor variations. Individuals who are part of the MAGI eligibility groups listed below should apply through NY State Department of Health.

You may be eligible if you are:

An adult aged 19–64 who are not eligible for Medicare
A child 1-18 years of age
An infant (under age 1)
A pregnant individual

Individuals who are part of the non-MAGI eligibility groups listed below should apply with their Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) or a Facilitated Enroller for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled.

Non-MAGI eligible groups:

Individuals 65 years of age and older
Individuals who are blind or disabled who do not meet the criteria of any of the above MAGI eligibility groups, including those individuals with an immediate need for Personal Care Services (PCS) or Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS)
Social Security I recipients
Residents of Adult Homes run by LDSS, OMH, Residential Care Centers/Community Residences
Individuals eligible for the following programs:
- Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- COBRA
- AIDS Health Insurance Program (AHIP)
- Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working People with Disabilities
Foster care and former foster care youth
Individuals screened for Presumptive Eligibility (PE) with a provider

Other factors that may affect your eligibility include:

State Residence
Citizenship or Immigration Status
Family or household size
Income

Step 2. Gather documents

Prepare the following documents:

Proof of identity (ID, birth certificate)
Proof of citizenship/immigration status
Proof of residency (NY address)
Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns)
Asset documentation for seniors/disabled (bank statements, property info)

You may apply for NY Medicaid in the following ways. CHCA will be here to support you through the process:

Through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace

Enrollment Assistors offer free personalized help.

To speak with the Marketplace Customer Service Center, call (855) 355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)

Through a Managed Care Organization (MCO)

Call the Medicaid Helpline (800) 541-2831

Through your Local Department of Social Services Office

Step 3. Wait for processing

New York City Health Resources Administration or county Department of Social Services reviews within standard time frames, as little as 12 days, or may take longer.

You will get an approval or denial notice by mail or online.