New York State Medicaid Application Guide
New York State Medicaid · DOH-4220
Content verified 2026-07-17T00:00:00.000Z
All asset transfers and gifts within 5 years are audited under state lookback statutes.
Primary home equity, one vehicle, and personal effects remain protected under community spouse allowances.
Excess income in income-cap states is redirected into a Qualified Income Trust to preserve qualification.
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
