New York Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in New York is run by the New York State Department of Health. New York adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Child Health Plus, and the application is at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 855-355-5777. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | New York State Medicaid |
|---|---|
| Children | Child Health Plus |
| Agency | New York State Department of Health |
| Apply | nystateofhealth.ny.gov · 855-355-5777 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | federal deadline January 1, 2027 |
Who qualifies in New York
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Child Health Plus), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that New York sets above the federal minimums.
How New York compares
New York expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. New York uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for New York State Medicaid
- Apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or call 855-355-5777. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to New York. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A New York State Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (New York carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with New York SNAP.
What changes in New York
New York has not announced a start date for the federal work requirement, so it takes effect on the federal deadline, January 1, 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
New York specifics
- Child Health Plus covers children regardless of immigration status, and the Essential Plan covers adults just above Medicaid income at $0 premium.
- Offices serve New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether New York State Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is New York's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in New York for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Child Health Plus.
Does New York have a Medicaid work requirement?
From January 1, 2027, the federal deadline; New York has not set an earlier date. It applies to expansion adults 19 to 64 at 80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub.
Sources
- New York State Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.