What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program for New Yorkers who can’t afford to pay for medical care.

How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid?

You may be covered by Medicaid if:

• You have high medical bills.
• You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• You meet certain financial requirements.

For more details, use the ACCESS NY Public Health Insurance Eligibility Screening Tool to see which public health insurance programs you and your family may be eligible for.

How do I apply for Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid in any one of the following ways: Write, phone, or go to your local department of social services. You can also mail in an Access NY Health Care application to your local department of social services, or apply with the help of an enrollment facilitator.

You can use the “Fill and Print” ACCESS NY Health Care application to apply for Medicaid. With the “Fill and Print” ACCESS NY Health Care application you can fill out the application on your screen and print the completed form. Please note that if you choose to use the “Fill and Print” ACCESS NY Health Care application you will not be able to save the information you typed into the application to your computer.

In New York City, contact the Human Resources Administration by calling (718) 557-1399. Residents of the five boroughs ofNew York City may call toll free at 1-877-472-8411.

Residents ofNew York Citycan mail applications to the Human Resources Administration at:

Pregnant women and children can apply at many clinics and hospitals. Call your local department of social services to find out where you can apply.

If you are in a facility operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health, contact the Patient Resource Office.

If you are in a facility certified by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, contact the Revenue Support Office.

For more details, use the ACCESS NY Public Health Insurance Eligibility Screening Tool to see which public health insurance programs you and your family may be eligible for.

What do I need to apply for Medicaid?

• If you are a U.S.citizen (born in the U.S.or one of its territories) and provide a valid
  Social Security Number (SSN), a match with Social Security Administration (SSA) will
  verify your SSN, date of birth/age and U.S citizenship. If SSA verifies this information,
  no further proof is needed. The SSA match cannot verify birth information for a naturalized citizen.
  You will need proof of naturalization (e.g., Naturalization Certificate (N-550 or N-570) or aU.S. passport).
• Proof of age (if not verified by SSA), like a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or alien status*
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
• Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran’s Benefits (VA), retirement
• If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources
• Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
• Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance)
• Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

*NOTE: Medicaid coverage is available, regardless of alien status, if you are pregnant or require treatment for an emergency medical condition. A doctor must certify that you are pregnant or had an emergency, and you must meet all other Medicaid eligibility requirements.

If I think I am eligible for Medicaid, should I cancel any other health insurance I might already have?

No. If you currently pay for health insurance or Medicare coverage or have the option of getting that coverage, but cannot afford the payment, Medicaid can pay the premiums under certain circumstances.

Even if you are not eligible for Medicaid benefits, the premiums can still be paid, in some instances, if you lose your job or have your work hours reduced. If you need help with a COBRA premium, you must apply quickly, to determine if Medicaid can help pay the premium.

You may be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program. This program pays your Medicare premiums and deductibles.

If you have Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Medicaid may be able to help pay your health insurance premiums.

How do I know if my income and resources qualify me for Medicaid?

The chart below shows how much income you can receive in a month and the amount of resources (if applicable) you can retain and still qualify for Medicaid. The income and resource (if applicable) levels depend on the number of your family members who live with you.