New York Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies
Who can get New York Medicaid in 2026, the income limits in dollars, and how to apply — in plain English.
Figures cite official government sources (linked by each table). Last verified July 17, 2026 · Effective period: Calendar 2026.
New York expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for New York Medicaid in 2026 with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,835 per month for a single person and $3,795 for a family of four, with no asset test.
Key takeaways
- Qualify as an adult with income up to $1,835/month (1 person) or $3,795 (family of 4) — 138% FPL.
- Skip the asset test — MAGI Medicaid counts income only, not savings.
- Enroll any time — Medicaid has no open-enrollment window.
- Apply for kids regardless: children's limits run far higher than 138% FPL.
- Note the timing: the federal Medicaid community-engagement (work) requirement is generally scheduled to begin January 1, 2027, not 2026 — confirm New York's date with its Medicaid agency.
New York adult income limits by household size (2026)
| Household size | Monthly limit (138% FPL) | Annual limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,020 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,868 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,704 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,212 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,060 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,896 |
Source: NY State Dept. of Health — Medicaid — 2026 federal poverty guidelines.
These figures are derived from the federal poverty guidelines using MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income). Confirm the exact figure with New York State of Health / local departments of social services.
Who qualifies for New York Medicaid
New York expanded Medicaid: adults qualify up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level; the Essential Plan covers incomes above that up to 250% FPL.
Children qualify for Medicaid/Child Health Plus at significantly higher income levels.
Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled in New York is based on state-specific non-MAGI rules. Income limits, resource limits, medically-needy/spend-down programs, and long-term-care standards vary by program — there is no single nationwide figure. Confirm the current limits with New York State of Health / local departments of social services. Low-income Medicare beneficiaries can also get help with premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
How Medicaid interacts with other benefits
- SSI: an SSI award brings Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in New York.
- SNAP: separate tests, one application — the same portal (mybenefits.ny.gov) handles both.
- Marketplace: above 138% FPL, subsidies through NY State of Health take over.
- Medicare: dual-eligible seniors get premium and cost-sharing help through Medicaid.
Where to apply
- Apply through the state Medicaid/benefits portal first — New York State of Health / local departments of social services, nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or by phone at 855-355-5777.
- New York runs its own Marketplace — NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov) — which screens for Medicaid and handles Marketplace plans if you're over the limit.
Source: NY State Dept. of Health — Medicaid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in New York for 2026?
Adults qualify for New York Medicaid with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $1,835 per month for one person and $3,795 for a family of four in 2026.
Does New York Medicaid have an asset test?
Not for MAGI groups — adults under 138% FPL, children, and pregnant applicants face no asset limit. Non-MAGI Medicaid (aged, blind, disabled, and long-term care) uses state-specific resource rules that vary by program — confirm the current figure with New York State of Health / local departments of social services.
Can children get Medicaid in New York if parents earn too much?
Children qualify for Medicaid/Child Health Plus at significantly higher income levels. There's no harm in applying — children are evaluated separately from adults.
Does SSI qualify me for Medicaid in New York?
Yes — SSI recipients ($994/month federal rate in 2026) get Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in New York.
Is there an enrollment deadline for Medicaid in New York?
No. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — you can apply any month, and coverage can start retroactively up to 3 months before your application in many cases.
How do I apply for Medicaid in New York?
Apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777, or at a local office of New York State of Health / local departments of social services. New York runs its own Marketplace, NY State of Health (nystateofhealth.ny.gov), which also screens for Medicaid.