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New York State Medicaid Application Guide

New York State Medicaid · DOH-4220

Content verified 2026-07-17T00:00:00.000Z

Program overview

New York's Medicaid program provides comprehensive health coverage to more than 7 million New Yorkers, offering a wide range of services depending on your age, financial circumstances, family situation, or living arrangements. There is no monthly premium for Medicaid, and some services may have small co-payments which can be waived if you cannot afford them. Services are provided through a large network of health care providers that you can access directly using your Medicaid card or through your managed care plan if you are enrolled in managed care.

Where you apply for Medicaid depends on your category of eligibility. Certain applicants may apply through NY State of Health while others need to apply through their Local Department of Social Service (LDSS). NY State of Health determines eligibility using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules, which generally count income with the same rules as the Internal Revenue Service with minor variations. The DOH-4220 application should only be used if you are applying for Medicaid with your LDSS and meet criteria for the "non-MAGI" eligibility group, or you are applying for Medicaid with a spenddown.

NY Medicaid benefits cover regular exams, immunizations, doctor and clinic visits, relevant medical supplies and equipment, lab tests and x-rays, vision, dental, nursing home services, hospital stays, emergencies, and prescriptions. Medicaid can also help with past medical costs. The program includes special benefits like the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) for home care services and comprehensive long-term care coverage for those who qualify.

Generally, a determination of eligibility must be done and a letter sent notifying you within 45 days of your application. If you are pregnant or applying on behalf of children, a determination should be made within 30 days. If you are applying and have a disability which must be evaluated, it can take up to 90 days to determine eligibility. You can enroll in Medicaid at any time during the year, and low-income adults who may be eligible for Medicaid can also apply at any time during the year.

Main application form

Access NY Health Care Application

Form DOH-4220

Additional forms

  • Supplement A · DOH-5178A

    Required supplement for applicants age 65+, blind, disabled, or applying for long-term care coverage

Where to submit

For non-MAGI applicants (age 65+, blind, disabled), submit to your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). For others, apply through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

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New York's Medicaid program provides free comprehensive health coverage to over 7.5 million residents. There are no monthly premiums, and small copayments can be waived if you can't afford them. Where you apply depends on your situation - most people apply online through NY State of Health, but those 65 and older, blind, or disabled typically apply through their Local Department of Social Services using form DOH-4220. You'll need documents like ID, proof of residency, income verification, and Social Security information. Processing usually takes 30 to 45 days, though disability evaluations may take up to 90 days. Benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and long-term care services. You can apply anytime - there's no enrollment period for Medicaid.

Official resources

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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for New York State Medicaid in New York?

To apply for New York State Medicaid in New York, complete Access NY Health Care Application (DOH-4220), then submit it to For non-MAGI applicants (age 65+, blind, disabled), submit to your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). For others, apply through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov..

What documents do I need to apply for New York State Medicaid in New York?

You typically need to provide: Social Security card or proof of Social Security number, Birth certificate or passport for proof of age and citizenship, Photo identification (driver's license, state ID card, passport), Proof of New York State residency (utility bills, lease, mortgage statement), Recent pay stubs or employment verification letter, Tax returns from previous year, Bank statements for all accounts from past 3 months, Health insurance cards (current coverage), Immigration documents (if applicable), Marriage certificate (if married), Medical bills from past 3 months (if seeking retroactive coverage), Disability determination letter (if applicable from SSA).

Where do I submit my New York State Medicaid application in New York?

Submit your completed New York State Medicaid application to For non-MAGI applicants (age 65+, blind, disabled), submit to your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). For others, apply through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov..

How we research and verify this information

Our team compiles this listing from public records and provider data, and reviews it against authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards and research methodology.