Undocumented Immigrants Over Age 65 Eligible for Medicaid
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, undocumented immigrants over age 65 will be eligible for Medicaid coverage if they meet financial eligibility criteria. Previously, undocumented immigrants were eligible only for Emergency Medicaid. The expanded coverage will be made available through mainstream Medicaid managed care plans and will include long term care benefits. A fact sheet for consumers is available here.
In order to qualify, individuals must have income and resources below the Medicaid thresholds or within 138 percent of the federal poverty level. In 2024, they are:
- For a household of one: income of up to $20,121, with resources up to $30,182; and
- For a household of two: income of up to $27,214, with resources up to $40,821.
Individuals may apply for coverage through their local social services district and will be transitioned to NY State of Health (the health insurance marketplace) for administration of their coverage. However, eligibility for nursing home coverage must be separately determined. DOH has established an email address (MCfor65PlusUndoc@health.ny.gov) to handle documentation related to nursing home eligibility.
It is estimated that this new coverage will be available to approximately 25,000 New Yorkers age 65 and older. This expanded coverage was made available through legislation originally enacted in the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23 budget.
Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org