If you want to check for Medicaid eligibility in New York, you need to consult with appropriate state resources. Although the Medicaid program is administered jointly through a federal/state partnership, individual states set their own eligibility rules within the broad framework set up by the federal government. This means if you live in New York, your Medicaid eligibility rules will be different from the rules applicable to people who live in other jurisdictions. 
It can be hard to navigate the legalese of different state resources, especially as there are a lot of different factors that could affect Medicaid eligibility. Knowing if you are eligible for Medicaid or not is very important, as Medicaid may pay for things that private insurance providers and even Medicare will not pay for.
You cannot afford to make mistakes when you check for Medicaid eligibility, as thinking you are eligible when you aren’t could cost you a fortune. Mark S. Eghrari & Associates PLLC can help you to understand Medicaid eligibility rules and can assist you in finding ways to become eligible if you discover that you would not qualify under NY rules.
How to Check for Medicaid Eligibility in New York
The best place to start when you want to check for Medicaid eligibility in New York is to reference the website of the New York State Department of Health. This website has a list of frequently asked questions and answers. One of those questions is how you can know if you are eligible for Medicaid or not. As the New York State Department of Health explains, it is possible that you will be covered by Medicaid if:
- You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- You meet certain financial criteria.
- You have high medical expenditures.
SSI is a needs-based program for the aged, blind, and disabled who cannot work. Qualifying for SSI is difficult, and many seniors do not get SSI benefits but will still want and need to qualify for Medicaid. You can qualify even if you are not disabled, provided you have limited income and minimal family resources.
The New York Department of Health also explains the maximum incomes and resource levels you can have before you are disqualified from this needs-based program. If you have a family size of one and you are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled, you are allowed to have a maximum monthly income of $825 and a maximum annual income of $9,900 and may have a maximum of $14,850 in resources. If you have more in income or more resources, you aren’t going to be eligible for Medicaid.
The income and resource limits go up with family size. For example, if a family has two members, the family can make up to $1,209 a month or $14,500 a year and not be disqualified from Medicaid if the person applying is blind, disabled, or over the age of 65.
In some cases, people make more money but still need help from Medicaid because they have very high medical expenses. There may also be other special circumstances in which you could qualify as well. The best way to check for Medicaid eligibility is to speak with a Medicaid planning lawyer, explain your financial situation, and let your attorney assess your options.
What if You Are Not Eligible for Medicaid?
If you check for Medicaid eligibility and find you are not eligible, you could face a serious financial problem. If you need to go into a nursing home as you get older, you’ll end up paying privately in most cases if you don’t qualify for Medicaid. This happens because Medicare and private insurance providers cover only skilled medical care in nursing facilities, not the kind of normal daily care most nursing home residents need. Nursing homes cost thousands, so you do NOT want to end up having to pay privately and spending all of your money.
A Medicaid planning lawyer can assist you in structuring asset ownership appropriately and making a strategic plan so you can qualify for Medicaid coverage. You should talk with an attorney as soon as possible, as acting well before Medicaid is needed is essential to maximize your success at asset protection efforts.
Getting Help from A Medicaid Planning Lawyer
To learn more about the importance of Medicaid planning, join us for a free seminar. You can also give us a call at (631) 265-0599 or contact us online to speak with an experienced member of our legal team and to learn more about how you can qualify for Medicaid coverage when you need it.
Mark S. Eghrari, Estate Planning Attorney
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