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Applying to Medicaid

How to Apply for Medicaid

You can request an application for Medicaid by phone, by mail, or in person through your local department of social services. Our representatives can help you understand whether you are eligible and then guide you through every step of the application process.

You can also complete the application yourself by going online to the ACCESS NY Health Care website and following the instructions at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Applications and assistance in filling them out can also be obtained by calling New York Health Options at 1-855-355-5777.  

You will need:

  • Proof of age, like a birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship or alien status*
  • Four weeks of recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
  • Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, veterans benefits, retirement, unemployment insurance benefits, child support payments
  • If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other  resources
  • Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
  • Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance)
  • Medicare ID card (the red, white, and blue card)

New York State Medicaid information: health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/.

 * Medicaid coverage is available, regardless of alien status, if you are pregnant or require treatment for an emergency medical condition (a doctor’s certification is required).