Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in New York. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
New York Medicaid can pay a wide range of care for people 65 and older with Medicare, plus Medicare premiums, coinsurance and deductibles.
New York's limits are among the most generous: income up to 138% of the poverty level and savings up to $33,038 for one person in 2026. You apply through your local Department of Social Services, or the Human Resources Administration in New York City.
| One person | Married couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit (2026) | $1,836 a month (138% of the poverty level), or $1,856 counting the $20 that isn't counted | $2,489 a month, or $2,509 counting the $20 that isn't counted |
| Savings limit (2026) | $33,038 | $44,796 |
| Spend-down if your income is over the limit | Yes: New York's medically needy program lets people over the income limit qualify by spending down Source: KFF (source 2) |
|---|---|
| Medicaid for adults under 65 (expansion) | Yes: New York expanded Medicaid to low-income adults under 65 Source: KFF (source 3) |
Where New York's rules differ from the federal rules for Medicaid for people with Medicare.
Free help
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in New York. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
Newsletter
Benefit figures, deadlines and rules change every year. We'll tell you what changed and what to check, about twice a month.