New York Medicaid income limits are rising in 2026. A single adult can now earn up to $1,835 per month.
A family of four can earn up to $3,795 monthly and still qualify.
- Program: New York State Medicaid health coverage
- Who qualifies: Adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities
- Income check: Based on 138% to 223% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Asset rules: No asset test for most adults; $32,532 limit for seniors
- Essential Plan: Available if you earn up to $3,325/month (250% FPL)
- Apply: Online at NY State of Health or by phone at 1-855-355-5777
New York is one of many states with Medicaid income limits tied to the Federal Poverty Level.
Learn how Medicaid income limits vary across all 50 states in 2026 to compare New York’s eligibility with other states.
2026 Medicaid Income Limits for New York
New York uses the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. The FPL for one person is $15,960 per year. New York Medicaid allows income up to 138% of FPL for adults.
Pregnant women can earn up to 223% of FPL. These new limits take effect in March or April 2026. They apply retroactively to January 1, 2026.
Adults Ages 19 to 64 (MAGI Medicaid)
Adults under 65 use MAGI rules. MAGI stands for Modified Adjusted Gross Income. It uses your tax return income. You do not need to count your assets.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Yearly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 people | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 people | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 people | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 people | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 people | $5,101 | $61,217 |
Each extra person adds $653 monthly.
Not sure if you qualify based on your household size and income? Use our free New York Medicaid eligibility calculator to instantly check if you meet the income requirements for your family.
Pregnant Women and Infants
Pregnant women get higher limits. Newborn babies qualify for one year automatically.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,966 |
| 2 | $4,021 |
| 3 | $5,077 |
| 4 | $6,132 |
New York offers 12 months of postpartum coverage. This stays even if your income changes later.
Children Ages 1 to 19
Children qualify at higher limits than adults. They can get Medicaid even if their parents do not qualify.
Ages 1 to 5: Up to $2,048/month (154% FPL) for one parent
Ages 6 to 18: Up to $1,769/month (133% FPL) for one parent
Children can also join Child Health Plus. This covers families earning up to 400% FPL.
Seniors and Disabled Adults (Non-MAGI)
Adults 65 and older use different rules. Blind and disabled people also use Non-MAGI rules. You must count assets.
| Household | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,855* | $32,532 |
| Married | $2,509** | $43,781 |
*$1,835 plus $20 disregard **$2,489 plus $20 disregard
A new law (Bill A01043) may raise asset limits to $300,000. This is pending federal approval in 2026.
Long-Term Care Medicaid
Nursing homes and home care have special limits. You can keep some income for personal needs.
Income limits: Same as Non-MAGI above
Resource limits: $32,532 (single), up to $162,660 (married couple)
Personal allowance: $50/month for nursing home; $1,820/month for home care
Your spouse can keep more assets. This is called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance. It ranges from $74,820 to $162,660.
Essential Plan (New York Only)
The Essential Plan covers adults earning too much for Medicaid. It is unique to New York. You pay no monthly premium.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,325 |
| 2 | $4,508 |
| 3 | $5,692 |
| 4 | $6,875 |
You qualify if you earn between 138% and 250% FPL.
Once approved, understand what services are covered and how much providers receive through the New York Medicaid fee schedule for medical services, prescriptions, and procedures.
What Income Counts for Medicaid
MAGI Medicaid counts your taxable income. This includes wages, self-employment, unemployment, and Social Security. It does not count gifts, veterans’ benefits, or workers’ compensation.
Non-MAGI Medicaid counts all income. But they allow deductions. You can disregard $20 from your income. You can also deduct medical expenses and work expenses.
Spend-Down Program:
If your income is over the limit, you can “spend down.” You pay medical bills until you reach the income limit. Then Medicaid covers the rest. You can bank medical bills to cover future months.
How to Apply for New York Medicaid
You can apply online, by phone, or in person. The process is free. Help is available if you need it.
Online:
Visit NY State of Health. You can apply 24 hours a day.
By Phone:
Call 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220).
In Person:
Go to your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). Find free enrollment assistants nearby.
Documents you need:
- Photo ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns)
- Social Security numbers
- Proof you live in New York
When to apply:
Apply any time. If you apply in January or February 2026, you may use 2025 limits first. New 2026 limits apply automatically in March or April.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the $300,000 Medicaid asset limit in New York?
Bill A01043 proposes raising the asset limit from $32,532 to $300,000. It passed the state legislature but needs federal approval. Watch for updates in 2026.
Q: What is the income limit for Medicaid in New York in 2026?
For adults ages 19-64, the limit is $1,835/month for one person or $22,025/year. Pregnant women can earn up to $2,966/month. Children and seniors have different limits based on household size.
Q: Does New York Medicaid have an asset limit in 2026?
No asset limit exists for adults under 65 and children. Seniors and disabled individuals face a $32,532 limit for one person. Your home and one vehicle don’t count toward this limit.
Q: Can I get Medicaid if I work in New York?
Yes. Working adults can qualify if income stays below $1,835/month for one person. New York doesn’t penalize employment. Report all income from jobs, self-employment, and benefits when you apply.
Q: What is the Essential Plan income limit for 2026?
The Essential Plan serves adults earning 138% to 250% FPL. For one person, that’s $1,836 to $3,325/month. It offers no-premium coverage with low copays through NY State of Health.
Q: How does spend-down work in New York Medicaid?
If your income exceeds limits, you can “spend down” by paying medical bills. Your excess income becomes your monthly spend-down amount. Once you pay that much in medical costs, Medicaid covers remaining expenses.
Q: When will New York adopt the 2026 Medicaid income limits?
New York typically adopts new Federal Poverty Level limits in March or April. The 2026 limits will be retroactive to January 1, 2026. If you apply now, your eligibility will be recalculated with 2026 limits.
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Data sources: New York State Department of Health, HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines 2026, NY State of Health
