Where to start your Medicaid application in NYC

You can apply for Medicaid in New York City through three main routes: online at the state's benefits portal, by mail, or in person at your local Human Resources Administration (HRA) office. The online route through the myBenefits.ny.gov portal is fastest — you can submit everything in one session and track your case afterward. If you prefer to apply by mail, you send forms to the HRA office that serves your ZIP code. In-person applications at an HRA office take longer because of wait times, but staff can answer questions as you fill out forms.

Before you start, gather documents that prove your identity, residency in New York City, and income. You will need a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof you live in NYC (a recent utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and recent pay stubs or tax returns showing your income. If you are self-employed or have no income, bring bank statements or a signed statement explaining your situation. The HRA may ask for additional documents after you submit, so keep copies of everything you send.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov, by mail to your local HRA office, or in person — online is fastest and lets you track your case.
  • You need proof of identity, NYC residency, and income before you start; gather these documents first to avoid delays.
  • The HRA will contact you within 10 days if they need more information, and you have 10 days to respond or your case may be denied.
  • Medicaid coverage can start as early as the first day of the month you submitted your application, even if you are still waiting for approval.
  • If the HRA denies your case, you can request a fair hearing within 60 days and present new information or challenge their decision.

What documents you need before you apply

The HRA requires proof of three things: who you are, where you live, and what you earn. For identity, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID, or any government-issued photo ID. For NYC residency, a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mail from a city or state agency dated within the last 60 days works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed statement from them saying you live there, plus the bill.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer stating your wages, or your most recent tax return. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years and recent bank statements showing business income. If you have no income, bring bank statements showing you have no deposits, or write a signed statement explaining your situation. The HRA may also ask about assets — savings accounts, investments, property — so be ready to report those if asked.

If you are applying for a child or dependent, you will also need their birth certificate or proof of citizenship, and proof of your relationship to them (birth certificate, adoption papers, or court order). If the child's other parent is not listed on the birth certificate, bring documentation of custody or guardianship.

How to apply online through myBenefits.ny.gov

Go to myBenefits.ny.gov and click "Create Account" if you do not already have one. You will enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Once your account is set up, log in and select "Apply for Benefits." Choose Medicaid from the list of programs, then answer questions about your household size, income, assets, and citizenship status. The form takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your situation.

As you fill out the form, the system will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant. If you are not a citizen, you will be asked about your immigration status. Medicaid in New York covers some non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents and certain refugees, so answer honestly — the system will tell you whether you are covered. Upload or attach copies of your documents as the form prompts you. You can save your progress and come back later if you need to gather more documents.

When you finish, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The system will send you an email confirming your submission. You can log back into myBenefits.ny.gov anytime to check the status of your case and see if the HRA has asked for more information.

Applying by mail or in person at an HRA office

To apply by mail, download the Medicaid application form (Form 1171-EZ or 1171) from the New York State Department of Social Services website, or call 311 and ask them to mail it to you. Fill out the form completely, attach copies of your documents, and mail it to the HRA office that serves your ZIP code. You can find your local office on the NYC Human Resources Administration website by entering your address. Mail takes longer than online — allow 2 to 3 weeks for the HRA to receive and process your application.

If you apply in person, go to your local HRA office during business hours. Bring all your documents in originals or copies. Staff will help you fill out the form and may scan your documents on the spot. Wait times at HRA offices are often long, especially early in the month, so arrive early or call ahead to ask about the current wait. You will receive a receipt showing your case number before you leave.

What happens after you submit your application

The HRA has 10 days to review your application and decide whether to approve it, deny it, or ask for more information. If they need more documents, they will send you a notice by mail or email (if you provided an email address) listing what they need. You have 10 days from the date on the notice to send the documents back. If you miss the deadline, the HRA may deny your case, but you can request a fair hearing to challenge that decision.

If you are approved, you will receive a notice in the mail with your Medicaid number and the date your coverage starts. In most cases, coverage begins on the first day of the month you submitted your application, even if approval takes longer. For example, if you apply on March 15, your coverage may start March 1 if you are found to be financially may be able to access. You will also receive a Medicaid card in the mail within 1 to 2 weeks, but you can use your case number to see a doctor before the card arrives.

If the HRA denies your case, they will send a notice explaining why. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or not meeting residency requirements. You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to request a fair hearing, which is a chance to present new information or challenge the HRA's decision in front of an impartial hearing officer.

Income limits and what counts as income

Medicaid income limits in New York City change each year. For 2024, a single adult can earn up to about $1,468 per month and still be found financially may be able to access; a family of three can earn up to about $3,125 per month. These limits are based on the federal poverty level and increase slightly each January. The HRA will tell you the current limit when you apply, and myBenefits.ny.gov shows the limit for your household size before you submit.

Income includes wages from a job, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and regular gifts of money. It does not include food stamps (SNAP), housing vouchers, or one-time gifts. If you are self-employed, the HRA counts your net business income (revenue minus business expenses) rather than gross revenue. If your income varies month to month, the HRA will average it over the past three months or use your most recent month, depending on the type of income.

What to do if your application is denied

If the HRA denies your case, read the denial notice carefully to understand the reason. Common reasons are income too high, missing documents, or not meeting the citizenship or residency requirement. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can request a fair hearing within 60 days of the denial date. To request a hearing, call 311, visit your local HRA office, or mail a written request to the HRA office that handled your case. Include your case number and explain why you think the decision was wrong.

At a fair hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, and challenge the HRA's findings. You can bring a representative — a lawyer, advocate, or trusted person — to speak for you. The hearing officer will make a new decision based on what you present. If you win, Medicaid coverage will start from the date you originally submitted your application. If you lose, you can appeal to the state, though this process takes several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. New York Medicaid covers lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other non-citizens. During the application, you will be asked about your immigration status. The system will tell you whether you are covered. Undocumented immigrants are not covered by regular Medicaid, but New York offers emergency Medicaid for urgent medical conditions regardless of immigration status.

How long does it take to get approved?

The HRA has 10 days to make a decision, but if they ask for more documents, the clock resets. In practice, approval takes 2 to 4 weeks if you provide all documents upfront, and longer if you have to send documents back and forth. Coverage can start on the first day of the month you applied, even if you are still waiting for the approval letter.

What if my income is too high for Medicaid?

If your income exceeds the Medicaid limit, you may be able to get health insurance through the New York State of Health marketplace instead. You can apply at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. You may also be found may be able to access for a lower-cost plan or tax credits that reduce your premium, depending on your income and household size.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Yes. Medicaid coverage is usually approved for 12 months, and you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your coverage ends. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you do not renew by the deadline, your coverage will end, but you can reapply anytime.

What if I move out of New York City after I am approved?

If you move to another county in New York State, your Medicaid will transfer to that county's program. Contact the local department of social services in your new county to update your address. If you move out of New York State, your Medicaid will end on the last day of the month you move, so you will need to find health insurance in your new state.