Medicaid in New York (Free Health Insurance)
New York Medicaid covers more than 7 million state residents, roughly 36% of the population. It is one of the most generous Medicaid programs in the country, covering adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
What it covers: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, dental, vision, and long-term care.
Income limits for 2026:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (138% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,732/month |
| 2 | $2,342/month |
| 3 | $2,953/month |
| 4 | $3,563/month |
| 5 | $4,173/month |
Pregnant women and infants qualify at higher income levels, up to approximately 223% FPL. Children ages 1 to 18 qualify at up to 154% FPL, and newborns qualify at the pregnant woman limit.
Asset limits: As of January 1, 2026, single applicants may have up to $33,038 in countable assets. Married couples where both apply may have up to $44,796.
How to apply: Through NY State of Health, by calling 1-855-355-5777, or at your local Department of Social Services office. You can also apply through the ACCESS HRA portal if you live in New York City.
The Essential Plan: New York's Hidden Gem
The Essential Plan is available only in New York and is one of the most underutilized programs in the state. It provides comprehensive health coverage with $0 monthly premiums and $0 deductibles. There are no surprise bills and no annual enrollment window restrictions for income-eligible residents.
Income limits for 2026:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (250% FPL through June 30, 2026) |
|---|
| 1 | $39,125/year |
| 2 | $52,875/year |
| 3 | $66,625/year |
| 4 | $80,375/year |
Important change coming: Starting July 1, 2026, the Essential Plan income limit is scheduled to drop from 250% FPL to 200% FPL unless the state legislature acts to extend current levels. Advocates are pushing to preserve the higher threshold. If you earn between 200% and 250% FPL, check the status of this change before mid-2026 and consider enrolling before any cutoff takes effect.
Who it is for: Adults ages 19 to 64 who are not eligible for Medicaid and do not have access to job-based insurance. Eligible immigrants with certain documentation statuses can also qualify.
How to apply: Through NY State of Health. Enrollment is year-round.
Child Health Plus: Low-Cost Insurance for Kids
Child Health Plus (CHP) is a New York State program that provides health insurance to children under 19 whose families earn too much for Medicaid. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, and vision with no co-payments.
Premium structure for 2026:
| Family Income (FPL) | Monthly Premium Per Child | Family Maximum |
|---|
| Up to 222% | $0 | $0 |
| Up to 250% | $15 | $45 |
| Up to 300% | $30 | $90 |
| Up to 350% | $45 | $135 |
| Up to 400% | $60 | $180 |
For a family of four, 222% FPL is approximately $67,000 per year. Even families earning above that can access very affordable coverage for their children.
How to apply: Through NY State of Health or by calling 1-855-355-5777.
SNAP Food Assistance (Food Stamps)
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card. The program is federally funded but administered in New York by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Gross income limits for 2026 (130% FPL):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,580/month |
| 2 | $2,137/month |
| 3 | $2,694/month |
| 4 | $3,250/month |
| 5 | $3,807/month |
| Each additional | +$557/month |
Households where all members receive SSI or cash assistance may be automatically eligible. Households with elderly or disabled members use a net income test instead of the gross test.
Benefit amounts: As of 2026, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of four is $975. Most households receive less based on their net income after deductions.
How to apply:
- Go to myBenefits.ny.gov or download the myBenefits app
- Complete the online application with household income and expense information
- Attend a brief interview, which can be done by phone
- Receive an EBT card in the mail if approved
You can also apply in person at your local Department of Social Services or, in NYC, through the ACCESS HRA website or app.
HEAP: Help Paying Heating and Energy Bills
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps New Yorkers pay for heating costs, cooling, and energy-related emergencies. It is the state version of the federal LIHEAP program. Many eligible households never apply because they do not know it exists.
What HEAP covers:
- Regular heating benefit (paid directly to your utility or fuel supplier)
- Emergency HEAP if your heat is shut off or you face imminent shutoff
- Cooling assistance for households with vulnerable members
- Equipment repairs and replacement
2025-2026 benefit amounts:
- Heating: up to $996 maximum regular benefit
- Cooling: up to $1,000
- Emergency winter assistance: up to $900
Income limits: HEAP uses the same 130% FPL gross income threshold as SNAP. Households already receiving SNAP, SSI, or cash assistance are automatically income-eligible for HEAP.
Important note for 2026: The regular 2025-2026 HEAP heating benefit closed April 10, 2026 and the emergency benefit closed April 24, 2026. The 2026-2027 program year is expected to open in fall 2026. Apply early next season.
How to apply: Contact your local Department of Social Services, apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov, or in NYC through ACCESS HRA.
WIC: Nutrition Support for Pregnant Women and Young Children
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides monthly food packages, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Benefits come as a WIC card loaded with specific approved foods.
Who qualifies:
- Pregnant women
- Women who gave birth in the past six months (postpartum)
- Breastfeeding women with a baby under 1 year
- Infants and children under 5
Income limit: 185% FPL. For a family of four, that is approximately $56,400 per year in 2026. You are automatically income-eligible for WIC if you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or the Essential Plan.
WIC food benefits include: Milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, peanut butter, beans, canned fish, fruits and vegetables (through a cash-value benefit), and infant formula.
How to apply: Call 1-800-522-5006 or visit the New York State WIC website to find your local WIC agency. Appointments are typically available within a few weeks.
SSI and Cash Assistance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal program for people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability and have limited income and assets. New York supplements the federal SSI payment with a state add-on, so NY recipients receive more than residents of most other states. The combined federal and state SSI payment for 2026 is approximately $967 per month for an eligible individual living alone.
Temporary Assistance (TA): New York's cash assistance program for families and individuals who cannot meet basic needs. Family Assistance is available to families with dependent children. Safety Net Assistance covers adults without children and individuals who have exhausted their Family Assistance time limit. Applications go through your local Department of Social Services or, in NYC, ACCESS HRA.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is a refundable federal and state tax credit for working people with low to moderate income. New York has its own state EITC worth 30% of the federal credit. Together, these credits can be worth several thousand dollars per year.
2026 federal EITC income limits (approximate):
| Filing Status | No Children | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3+ Children |
|---|
| Single/Head of Household | $18,591 | $49,084 | $55,768 | $59,899 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $25,511 | $56,004 | $62,688 | $66,819 |
Maximum federal credits (approximate): No children: $632. One child: $4,213. Two children: $6,960. Three or more children: $7,830. The New York state credit adds 30% on top.
You claim the EITC when you file your federal and state tax returns. Free filing is available through the IRS Free File program if your income is below $79,000.
Lifeline: Discounted Phone and Internet
The federal Lifeline program provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. In New York, the state also offers an additional subsidy through the Affordable Connectivity Program's successor programs.
Eligibility: Households at or below 135% FPL, or those enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or other qualifying programs.
Benefit: Up to $9.25 per month off a qualifying phone or internet plan.
How to apply: Visit LifelineSupport.org or apply directly through a participating phone or internet provider.
How to Check All Your Benefits at Once
Instead of applying for each program separately and navigating different agencies, you can use the free Benefits Navigator screener at BenefitsUSA.org. Enter your ZIP code, household size, income, and a few details about your situation. The tool checks eligibility across 11 federal and state programs at once and shows you what you likely qualify for, the estimated value of each benefit, and where to apply.
It takes about two minutes and is completely free with no account required.
Application Checklist for New York Benefits
Before you apply for any New York benefits program, gather these documents:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of New York State residency (utility bill, lease, or mail with your address)
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- Proof of any assets if applying for Medicaid (bank statements)
- Immigration documents if applicable
For health programs, apply through NY State of Health at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. For SNAP, HEAP, and cash assistance, apply through myBenefits.ny.gov or your local Department of Social Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple New York benefits programs at the same time?
Yes. Many programs share the same application portal. Applying through NY State of Health can simultaneously screen you for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. Applying through myBenefits.ny.gov can screen you for SNAP, HEAP, and cash assistance in one application. You do not need to apply separately for each.
Do undocumented immigrants qualify for New York benefits?
Some programs are available regardless of immigration status. New York's state-funded Medicaid program covers emergency services for anyone regardless of status. Children and pregnant women with certain immigration documentation may qualify for more coverage. The Essential Plan and Child Health Plus have eligibility rules tied to immigration status. Contact a benefits navigator or call 1-855-355-5777 to discuss your specific situation.
Will receiving benefits affect my immigration case?
This is a real concern for some families. Only certain programs count as "public charge" under federal immigration rules, primarily cash assistance programs and long-term institutional Medicaid. Health insurance through Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, LIHEAP, and similar programs are generally not counted. If you have concerns, consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before applying.
What if I was denied for a benefit I think I should qualify for?
You have the right to appeal. For Medicaid, Essential Plan, or Child Health Plus denials, you can request a fair hearing through NY State of Health within 60 days of the denial notice. For SNAP or HEAP denials, contact your local Department of Social Services to request a fair hearing. Having a benefits counselor or legal aid representative at a hearing can improve outcomes.
How often do I need to recertify for New York benefits?
It depends on the program. Medicaid eligibility is reviewed annually. SNAP has a recertification period that varies, typically 6 to 12 months for most households. HEAP requires a new application each year when the program opens. WIC participants recertify every six months. You should receive a notice before your benefits expire. Missing a recertification deadline can cause a gap in coverage.
What is the difference between Medicaid and the Essential Plan?
Both offer comprehensive health coverage with no deductibles. Medicaid is the broader program and has a lower income cutoff, generally up to 138% FPL for adults. The Essential Plan covers people who earn too much for Medicaid but below 250% FPL (changing to 200% FPL in July 2026). Both have $0 premiums for eligible enrollees. The Essential Plan may have small co-pays of $1 to $3 for some services, while Medicaid has none.
Can seniors in New York get help with Medicare costs?
Yes. New York has several programs to help Medicare beneficiaries with premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. The Medicare Savings Programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, and others) pay Medicare Part B premiums and sometimes Part A costs for income-eligible seniors. Enrollment is through Medicaid. The Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) also helps with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. Contact your local HIICAP counselor (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) at 1-800-701-0501 for free guidance.
Income limits and program rules are current as of April 2026. FPL figures update annually. Verify current limits at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or otda.ny.gov before applying.
