New York Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out
Moving TO New York
New York Medicaid does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new New York resident applies fresh through New York State Department of Health. There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on New York's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.
Leaving New York
Leaving New York ends your New York Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with New York State Department of Health effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.
Official agency: New York State Department of Health ↗ (application page)
New York Medicaid at a glance
| Program name | New York Medicaid |
|---|---|
| ACA Medicaid expansion | Yes — adults covered on income |
| Adult income limit | 138% of the federal poverty level |
| Processing | Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NY-specific timeline verified |
New York Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)
New York expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.
| Household size | Monthly income limit | Yearly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,836 | $22,025 |
| 2 people | $2,489 | $29,864 |
| 3 people | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 people | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 people | $4,449 | $53,379 |
| 6 people | $5,102 | $61,217 |
| 7 people | $5,755 | $69,056 |
| 8 people | $6,408 | $76,894 |
| Each additional person | +$654 | +$7,839 |
- Computed as 138% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (48 contiguous states and DC), rounded up to the dollar. New York's own chart controls, and states often switch to the new year's guidelines partway through the year — so the agency's chart may still show lower 2025 figures.
- The adult limit counts income under MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) rules. Children and pregnant people usually have higher limits; people 65+ or with a disability are assessed under different, non-MAGI rules that often include an asset test — ask the agency below.
Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)
How to apply for Medicaid in New York
Apply with New York State Department of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Go to the official application page ↗
Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NY-specific timeline verified.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in New York for 2026?
For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.
Can I keep New York Medicaid if I move to another state?
No. Medicaid covers residents only, so New York coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to New York State Department of Health and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.
How do I apply for Medicaid in New York?
Apply with New York State Department of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NY-specific timeline verified.
Who runs Medicaid in New York?
New York State Department of Health. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.
Does New York make new residents wait for Medicaid?
No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in New York; eligibility is decided on New York's own rules.
Where do I report that I'm leaving New York?
Contact New York State Department of Health (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.
Every move involving New York
From New York to…
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
To New York from…
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Other benefits in New York
- SNAP in New York
- WIC in New York
- Unemployment in New York
- TANF in New York
- Medicaid in every state
- State benefits statistics
Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .
- NYS DOH Medicaid — accessed 2026-08-08