New York Medicaid for Nursing Home Care (2026)
In New York, nursing home Medicaid is called New York State Medicaid and is run by the New York State Department of Health and local Departments of Social Services. Here are the rules that decide who qualifies, in plain English, with links to the official sources.
Countable savings and property a single applicant can keep. The home, one car, personal belongings and a burial fund usually do not count.
Income above the limit goes toward the cost of care (a “spend-down”), and Medicaid pays the rest.
What the resident keeps each month for personal items. Most other income goes to the nursing home.
Gifts or transfers for less than fair value in this window can delay coverage.
Figures for 2026. Checked against official sources October 2026.
If the applicant is married
Federal “spousal impoverishment” rules protect the spouse who stays at home, so they are not left without money.
- Savings the at-home spouse can keep: between $32,532 and $162,660 in 2026, depending on how New York applies the rule and the couple’s total assets.
- Monthly income for the at-home spouse: at least $2,705 a month and up to $4,066.50, topped up from the resident’s income if needed.
- The home: usually protected while a spouse lives there. Without a spouse at home, equity above $752,000 (up to $1,130,000 in some states) can make an applicant ineligible.
How to apply
- Start early. States must decide most applications within 45 days, but missing paperwork often makes it longer. Ask whether coverage can be backdated to the months before you applied.
- Gather records: ID, Medicare and insurance cards, proof of income, and bank and investment statements (often for the full look-back period).
- Apply with the New York State Department of Health and local Departments of Social Services: official application page, or call 1-800-541-2831.
- Ask the nursing home for help. Most have a business office or social worker who handles Medicaid applications every week.
Good to know in New York
New York lets a single applicant keep $33,038 in countable assets in 2026, far more than most states. There is no income limit or income trust for nursing home care: income above the $50 allowance goes to the nursing home. In New York City, apply through HRA ((718) 557-1399); elsewhere, through the county Department of Social Services.
Nursing homes in New York that accept Medicaid
588 of the 593 nursing homes in New York on Medicare’s list accept Medicaid. Medicaid beds can be limited, so ask each home whether it has one available and whether it will keep a resident who moves from private pay to Medicaid.
Find homes that accept Medicaid in New York → All nursing homes in New York Best-rated homes in New York
Free help
The New York Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-855-582-6769) helps nursing home residents and families with problems, including Medicaid admissions and discharges, at no cost. For planning around a home, savings or a spouse, a certified elder law attorney can advise on what is allowed.
Questions about Medicaid in New York
Does Medicaid pay for nursing homes in New York?
Yes. New York State Medicaid pays for long-term nursing home care for people who need that level of care and meet the income and asset rules. Medicare, by contrast, covers only short rehab stays after a hospital admission.
How much money can you have to qualify for Medicaid in New York?
A single applicant can have up to $33,038 in countable assets (2026 figure). The home, one car and personal belongings usually do not count.
What is the Medicaid look-back period in New York?
60 months. Gifts or sales below value during that time can cause a period when Medicaid will not pay for care.
How much income does a nursing home resident on Medicaid keep in New York?
$50 a month for personal needs. Most other income goes toward the cost of care, after any allowance for a spouse at home.
Sources
- NYS DOH Income and Resource Standards for Non-MAGI Population… (healthweb-back.health.ny.gov, PDF)
- How to apply (healthweb-back.health.ny.gov)
- Corroborates 2026 $33,038 asset limit, $50 personal needs allowance,… (medicaidplanningassistance.org)
- Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, 1-855-582-6769 (ltcombudsman.ny.gov)
- CMS: 2026 SSI and spousal impoverishment standards
- CMS: spousal impoverishment standards effective July 1, 2026
This page explains the general rules and is not legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules change, and each case depends on the details: confirm with the state agency before making decisions. Medicare vs. Medicaid · Nursing home cost planner · VA benefits for veterans