Where to start your Medicaid application in New York

You apply for Medicaid in New York through the Department of Social Services in your county, or online through the New York State of Health website (the official state marketplace). Most people find the online route faster because you can submit everything without visiting an office, though you can still apply by mail, phone, or in person if you prefer.

The state website is nystateofhealth.ny.gov. You will create an account, answer questions about your household income and size, and upload documents to prove what you've reported. The system tells you right away whether you likely may have access to for Medicaid or if you need to pay for a plan instead.

If you apply through your county Department of Social Services instead, call the main number or visit in person to ask for the Medicaid application. Processing takes longer this way — usually 30 to 45 days — but some people prefer working with a caseworker who can answer questions as they go.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, by mail to your county Department of Social Services, or in person at your local office.
  • You will need proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of where you live.
  • New York Medicaid covers people with income up to roughly 138% of the federal poverty level, though the exact limit depends on your household size and whether you are pregnant, disabled, or caring for children.
  • The state processes online applications faster than county offices, often within two to three weeks, and tells you the decision by email or mail.
  • If you are denied, you can request a fair hearing to challenge the decision, and you have 60 days from the denial letter to ask for one.

What documents you need before you apply

Gather proof of income first. This means recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), your most recent tax return, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and how much you earn. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring the most recent statement showing the amount.

You also need proof of citizenship or immigration status. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work. If you are not a citizen, bring your green card, work permit, or other immigration document showing your status. New York covers some immigrants even if they are not citizens, so do not assume you are ineligible.

Finally, bring proof of where you live — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or letter from a landlord. It needs to show your name and current address. If you are homeless or living with someone else, you can still apply; tell the caseworker your situation and they will note it in your file.

Income limits and who qualifies

New York Medicaid covers people whose household income falls below a certain threshold. For a single adult with no children, the limit is roughly 138% of the federal poverty level, which changes each year. For a family of three, the limit is higher. The exact number depends on whether you are pregnant, disabled, a child, or caring for dependents — each group has slightly different rules.

The fastest way to know if you may have access to is to enter your income on the nystateofhealth.ny.gov website. The system calculates it instantly and tells you whether you are likely may be able to access. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway — the caseworker will verify your income and make the final decision.

New York also covers people who are blind, disabled, or over 65 even if their income is higher than the standard limit. If any of these apply to you, mention it when you apply.

How long approval takes and what happens next

If you apply online through New York State of Health, you usually hear back within two to three weeks. The state sends your decision by mail or email — check your account on the website to see if a decision is ready. If you apply through your county office, expect 30 to 45 days.

If you are approved, your coverage starts on the first day of the month after you apply, or sometimes the same month if you apply early in the month. The state mails you a Medicaid card with your member ID number. You can use it at any doctor, hospital, or pharmacy that takes Medicaid in New York.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons are income too high, not enough proof of citizenship, or missing documents. You have 60 days from the denial letter to request a fair hearing, which is a chance to present more information and challenge the decision.

Applying online step by step

Go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov and click "Create Account." You will enter your email address and create a password. The system sends a confirmation email — click the link to verify your account.

Log in and start a new application. Answer questions about your household: how many people live with you, your ages, your relationship to each other, and whether anyone is pregnant or disabled. Then enter your income — wages, self-employment income, unemployment, Social Security, child support, or anything else you receive.

Upload documents to prove what you entered. Take photos of your pay stub, tax return, and proof of address with your phone, save them as PDF or JPG files, and upload them through the website. The system accepts images as long as they are clear and readable.

Review your application for mistakes, then submit it. You will get a confirmation number. Check your email and your account on the website for updates. The state may ask you for more information — if so, they will tell you what they need and give you a deadline to send it.

Applying by phone or mail if you cannot use the website

Call 1-855-355-5777 to apply by phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and can help you understand what documents you need. They will tell you how to send your documents — usually by mail or by uploading them to a secure portal they give you.

To apply by mail, contact your county Department of Social Services and ask them to send you the Medicaid application form. Fill it out, gather your documents, make copies, and mail everything to the address they provide. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it certified mail so you have proof it arrived.

To apply in person, find your county office on the New York State Department of Social Services website, call ahead to ask about hours and whether you need an appointment, and bring all your documents with you. A caseworker will help you fill out the form and collect your paperwork on the spot.

What to do if your application is denied

Read the denial letter carefully. It will say exactly why you were denied — usually because your income was too high, you did not provide proof of citizenship, or documents were missing or unclear. If the reason is missing documents, you can reapply and send them this time.

If you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request a fair hearing. Write a letter to your county Department of Social Services saying you want a hearing, include your case number (on the denial letter), and mail it or deliver it in person. At the hearing, you can present new documents or explain your situation to a hearing officer who will review the decision.

While you wait for a hearing decision, you are not covered by Medicaid. If you need medical care urgently, look for community health centers or hospitals that offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

Renewing your Medicaid coverage each year

New York Medicaid requires you to renew your coverage once a year. The state will mail you a renewal form or send you a notice telling you to renew online. You have 30 days to respond. If you do not renew by the deadline, your coverage ends.

Renewing is simpler than the first application — you just confirm that your household and income information is still correct, or update it if something changed. Upload new pay stubs or other proof if your income changed. The state processes renewals quickly, usually within two weeks.

If your income increased and you no longer may have access to for Medicaid, the state will tell you that you can buy a plan through New York State of Health instead. You may be may be able to access for a tax credit to help pay the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicaid if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. New York covers lawful permanent residents (green card holders), people with work permits, refugees, and some other immigration statuses. You will need to provide your immigration document when you apply. Some immigration statuses do not may have access to, so bring whatever document you have and let the caseworker determine your status.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

Tell your caseworker or report the change on the New York State of Health website. If your income increased above the limit, your coverage may end. If it decreased, you might get a larger tax credit if you switch to a marketplace plan instead. Changes usually take effect the first day of the next month.

Do I have to pay anything for Medicaid in New York?

No. Medicaid is free for people who may have access to based on income. You do not pay a monthly premium, and most services are covered with no copay or a very small one. Some people with higher incomes may have a small monthly premium, but the state will tell you if that applies to you.

How do I know if my application was received?

If you applied online, you get a confirmation number right away. If you applied by mail or in person, ask for a receipt or write down the date and the name of the person who took your application. You can also call your county office and give them your name and date of birth to check the status.

Can I use Medicaid from New York if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid is state-specific, so your New York coverage ends when you move. You will need to apply for Medicaid in your new state, or look for coverage through that state's marketplace. Tell New York that you are moving so they can close your case.