Will my house count against Medicaid limits in New York?

No, your main home is protected if the equity value is up to $1,097,000. This is one of the highest home equity limits in the country.

What happens if my income is too high for NY Medicaid?

You can put extra income into a special Pooled Income Trust or spend it on medical bills. Once you meet your 'spend-down' amount, Medicaid covers the rest of the costs for that month.

What can my healthy spouse keep if I'm on Medicaid in New York?

Your spouse can keep between $74,820 and $157,920 in assets. They can also keep up to $3,948/month of the household income to prevent spousal impoverishment.

NY Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits & New Look-Back Rule

Q: What are the 2026 income limits for New York Medicaid?

Single people can earn up to $1,800/month. Married couples applying together can have $2,433/month. These limits are higher than most states, allowing middle-class families in New York to qualify more easily.

Q: How much in savings can I keep for New York Medicaid?

In 2026, you can keep up to $32,396 in savings if single, or $43,781 if married. This is significantly higher than the standard $2,000 limit found in other states.

Q: Does New York check my money transfers before approving me?

Yes. There is a 5-year look-back for nursing homes. For home care, a 2.5-year (30-month) look-back is expected to be phased in during 2026. Regular Medicaid has no look-back period.

New York offers some of the most generous Medicaid coverage in America, especially for seniors needing long-term care.

If you’re wondering whether you qualify for Medicaid in New York in 2026, this guide breaks down the exact income and asset limits, plus a major upcoming change that could affect your eligibility for home care services.

Page Contents

1 Key Takeaways for 2026
2 New York Medicaid Income Limits 2026
3 New York Medicaid Asset Limits 2026
4 The 30-Month Look-Back Period: What You Need to Know
5 Income and Asset Comparison: New York vs. Federal Baseline
6 How to Apply for New York Medicaid
7 Planning Steps Before the Look-Back Takes Effect
8 Who Should Consider Medicaid Planning?
9 New York Medicaid FAQs (2026)
10 Where to Get Help

Key Takeaways for 2026

Single individuals can have up to $31,175 in assets and still qualify for institutional Medicaid
Married couples can protect up to $154,140 in assets when one spouse needs nursing home care
Income limits vary by program: $1,732/month for nursing home care, higher limits for Community Medicaid
Major change coming: A 30-month look-back period will soon apply to Community Medicaid (home care services)
New York’s limits are significantly higher than most other states

New York Medicaid Income Limits 2026

Nursing Home Medicaid (Institutional Care)

Monthly income limit: $1,732 for a single person

If your income exceeds this amount, you can still qualify through a Miller Trust (Income Trust). New York allows you to “spend down” excess income on medical expenses.

Community Medicaid (Home Care Services)

Monthly income limit: Approximately $1,732 (subject to regional variation)

Community Medicaid covers home health aides, personal care services, and adult day care so you can stay in your home instead of entering a nursing home.

Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC)

Similar income rules apply, but you must need nursing home-level care to qualify for managed long-term care services at home.

New York Medicaid Asset Limits 2026

For Single Individuals

Countable asset limit: $31,175

This is what you can own and still qualify. Your home, one car, personal belongings, and certain other items don’t count toward this limit.

For Married Couples (Spousal Impoverishment Rules)

When one spouse needs nursing home care:

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA): Up to $154,140
Minimum CSRA: $29,724

This means the healthy spouse can keep between $29,724 and $154,140 in assets while their partner qualifies for Medicaid.

What Assets Don’t Count?

Your primary home (with equity up to $1,071,000 in 2026)
One vehicle
Personal belongings and household items
Prepaid burial plots and irrevocable funeral trusts
Small amounts of life insurance (face value under $1,500)

The 30-Month Look-Back Period: What You Need to Know

Current Rules (Through 2026)

Right now, New York only applies a look-back period to nursing home Medicaid, not home care services. This means you can transfer assets and immediately qualify for Community Medicaid.

Coming Change

New York will implement a 30-month look-back period for Community Medicaid. This means:

Medicaid will review all asset transfers made in the 30 months before you apply for home care
If you gave away assets during this time, you may face a penalty period where you’re ineligible for coverage
The exact implementation date is still pending but expected in 2026

Why This Matters

If you anticipate needing home care services in the near future, the window to transfer assets without penalties is closing. After the look-back takes effect, any gifts or transfers could delay your eligibility.

Income and Asset Comparison: New York vs. Federal Baseline

Category	New York 2026	Federal Baseline	Difference
Individual asset limit	$31,175	$2,000	+$29,175
Couple asset limit	$154,140	$3,000	+$151,140
Home equity limit	$1,071,000	$713,000	+$358,000

New York’s limits are dramatically higher, making coverage accessible to middle-class families who would be disqualified in most other states.

How to Apply for New York Medicaid

Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or apply online through NY State of Health
Gather documentation: proof of income, bank statements, property deeds, insurance policies
Complete a medical needs assessment if applying for long-term care services
Submit your application and respond to any requests for additional information

Processing typically takes 45-90 days for long-term care applications.

Planning Steps Before the Look-Back Takes Effect

If you or a loved one may need home care services:

Act now: Consult with a Medicaid planning attorney or certified Medicaid planner before the 30-month look-back is implemented

Review your assets: Identify which assets are countable and which are exempt

Consider legal protections: Irrevocable trusts, spousal transfers, and other strategies can protect assets while maintaining eligibility

Don’t wait: Once the look-back period begins, transfers made today could affect your eligibility for 2.5 years

Who Should Consider Medicaid Planning?

Adults over 60 with chronic health conditions
Anyone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia
Individuals who have had strokes or mobility issues
Middle-class families with assets above the limits
Married couples where one spouse needs care

Professional planning can help you qualify for benefits while protecting your life savings for your spouse and heirs.

New York Medicaid FAQs (2026)

1. What are the 2026 income limits for New York Medicaid?

Single people can earn up to $1,800/month. Married couples applying together can have $2,433/month. These limits are higher than most states. New York lets middle-class families qualify easier than other places.

2. How much in savings can I keep for New York Medicaid?

You can keep up to $32,396 in savings if single, or $43,781 if married. This is much higher than the usual $2,000 limit found in most of the U.S. New York has very generous asset rules to help residents keep their savings.

3. Will my house count against Medicaid limits?

No, you can keep your house if it has up to $1,097,000 in equity value. This is one of the highest home limits in America. As long as it is your primary residence, your home is generally safe.

4. What happens if my income is too high?

You can put extra income in a special trust (Pooled Income Trust) or spend it on medical bills. Once you spend enough on doctor bills to meet your “surplus,” Medicaid covers the rest of your medical costs for that month.

5. Does New York check my money transfers before approving me?

Yes for nursing homes (a 5-year look-back period). Home care will soon check 2.5 years (30 months) back as a new rule is phased in during 2026. Regular Medicaid for adults and families has no check period. It is important to plan ahead if transferring money.

6. What can my healthy spouse keep if I’m on Medicaid?

Your healthy spouse can keep between $74,820 and $157,920 in assets. They can also get up to $3,948/month from the household income. New York has strong protections to ensure a healthy spouse can stay in their home and maintain their lifestyle.

Where to Get Help

Local Department of Social Services: Find your county office at nyc.gov or your county website
NY State of Health: info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov (official health insurance marketplace)
Elder law attorneys: Specialize in Medicaid planning and asset protection
Certified Medicaid planners: Can guide you through the application process

Disclaimer: This information reflects official government data as of January 5, 2026. New York Medicaid eligibility is complex and depends on your individual circumstances, including medical need assessments, income verification, and asset evaluations. Always verify current eligibility with your local Department of Social Services and consider consulting with a Medicaid planning professional or elder law attorney for personalized guidance before applying.