How to Apply for New York Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Where you live in New York determines which agency processes your Medicaid application. This matters for wait times, in-person locations, and how renewals work.
45 days
Processing deadline
NYSOH
Apply online statewide
ACCESS HRA
NYC residents
3 months
Retroactive coverage
NYC vs. upstate: two different agencies handle your application
Pregnant individuals and children can also apply at many clinics, hospitals, and provider offices. Call your county DSS to find nearby enrollment sites.
- New York City (5 boroughs): The Human Resources Administration (HRA) processes Medicaid applications in NYC. Apply online through ACCESS HRA, call HRA at (718) 557-1399, or visit an HRA benefits access center in person. NYC also has a dedicated Medical Assistance Applications (MAA) unit within HRA that handles complex Medicaid cases, including applications for nursing facility and home care levels of care.
- Outside New York City (57 counties): Your county's Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) handles Medicaid. Applications can be submitted online at NY State of Health, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, by mail, or in person at your county DSS office.
What documents you need before you apply
Gather these before starting your application to avoid delays:
- Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
- Proof of New York State residency — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your address
- Social Security number (or proof of application) for each household member applying
- Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, or employment authorization card
- Proof of income for everyone in the household — pay stubs, award letters (Social Security, SSI, pension), or a self-employment statement
- Health insurance information for any current coverage (insurance cards, Medicare ID)
MAGI-based Medicaid has no asset test, so you do not need to document savings accounts, vehicles, or property for standard coverage. Long-term care applications have additional documentation requirements.
How long does New York Medicaid take to process?
Federal regulations at 42 CFR § 435.912 set a 45-day processing deadline for most Medicaid applications — 90 days when disability must be determined. New York generally meets these timelines, though processing speeds vary by county and by volume of applications.
For pregnant individuals, hospitals are authorized to make presumptive eligibility determinations on the spot — meaning care can begin immediately while the full application is processed. Children may also receive presumptive eligibility at qualified provider sites.
If approved, New York Medicaid can be backdated up to three months before the application date if you had covered medical expenses during that period and met eligibility requirements at the time. Ask your eligibility worker about retroactive coverage when you apply.
Step-by-step: applying online through NY State of Health
If your application is denied or your benefits are reduced, you have the right to a fair hearing. Request one within 60 days of the notice by calling the NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) at 1-800-342-3334 or writing to your local DSS. Filing within 10 days of the notice preserves your current benefits during the hearing process, per New York Social Services Law.
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1
Go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov
Create an account or log in. Select "Apply for coverage" and choose the individual/family path. The portal guides you through the income and household questions that determine whether you qualify for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, or a subsidized marketplace plan.
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2
Complete the application and submit
Answer all household and income questions. The portal automatically routes Medicaid-eligible applicants to the DOH system. You will receive a confirmation number. Save it.
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3
Respond to any requests for documentation
Your local DSS or HRA may request documents to verify income, residency, or identity. Respond promptly — delays on your end extend the processing clock.
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4
Receive your determination and choose a plan
If approved, you will receive a notice and instructions to select a managed care plan. If you do not choose, you will be auto-assigned to a plan in your area. Your Medicaid card follows once enrolled.
New York Medicaid
- Apply online: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
- Phone: 1-855-355-5777
- NYC — ACCESS HRA: nyc.gov/accesshra, (718) 557-1399
- Appeals (OTDA): 1-800-342-3334
Related guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →