Medicaid

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is free health insurance for children and adults who meet income and other eligibility requirements. It may also provide up to 90 days of retroactive coverage for unpaid medical bills.  You must request this coverage when you apply for Medicaid.  Medicaid will pay those bills if you are determined eligible for Medicaid during those 90 days.  

Who is eligible?

Children, single adults, couples without children and families with children living in New York may be eligible if they are:

• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or meet immigration status requirements. Undocumented adults 65 and older are eligible for Medicaid beginning January 1, 2024. Medicaid for the treatment of an emergency medical condition is available to people under 65 years old if they meet the eligibility requirements.  Pregnant undocumented individuals are eligible for Medicaid during their pregnancy and one year after delivery, and
• Meet certain income eligibility requirements tied to household size. View infographics and tables to see income levels for children under 1 year old, 1- 18 years of age, 19 and 20 year olds living with their parents, pregnant people, Adults under 65, caretakers, and parents, and adults 65 and older, people with a disability or visual impairment. The following table applies to all Medicaid populations.

How to apply

• Children and most adults under age 65 must apply for coverage through the NY State of Health. You need to know this information to enroll.
• Pregnant women can apply at select providers for immediate coverage or through NY State of Health.
• 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. Trained enrollers can help you apply for or renew your Medicaid and apply for programs to help reduce Medicare costs.  
• If you are over 65, living with a disability or visual impairment, you need to provide certain documents when you apply for Medicaid. You can find examples of the type of documents here. 
• You can get free help applying for Medicaid, renewing your Medicaid coverage or financial help to cover Medicare costs through the Facilitated Enrollment for the Aged, Blind and Disabled Program

Helpful Links

• NY State of Health Marketplace
• NYC Human Resources Administration