Changes are coming to New York State Medicaid. Read on to learn how you could be affected.
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What New Yorkers Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2027, some people on New York State Medicaid will need to prove to the state that they're working, in school, volunteering, or completing job training in order to keep their health insurance.
Who Is Affected
Many adults ages 19–64 covered by New York State Medicaid will need to meet new work requirements to keep their coverage unless they qualify for an exemption.
Who Is Exempt
Exemptions include people younger than 19 or older than 64; pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy; American Indians/Alaska Natives; parents or caretakers of children 13 and under; individuals who have a mental, substance use, or physical condition that impairs their ability to work; and several other groups. To see a full list, please follow the links below.
Timeline
New York Resources
NY State of Health
Update your account, check your status, or apply for coverage.
nystateofhealth.ny.gov →Changes to Medicaid Coverage
New York's official fact sheet on what's changing and when.
nystateofhealth.ny.gov →Stay Connected with NY State of Health
The latest news and updates for enrollees on H.R.1 and ways to stay informed.
nystateofhealth.ny.gov →Find an Enrollment Assistor
Free, in-person help updating your account or understanding your options.
nystateofhealth.ny.gov →New York Frequently Asked Questions
Due to new federal policies, a number of changes will be coming over the coming months that could impact you, depending on your immigration status, work/school/volunteer qualifications, and more. You will begin to learn more from New York in the coming weeks and be prepared to take action to make sure your New York Medicaid policy is protected.
Yes, because of federal changes many New York Medicaid Expansion recipients ages 19 through 64 could be subject to new federal requirements.
Yes, New York is required to send notices to affected people by September 1, 2026. You might have received a notice in the mail already. Make sure you’ve updated your contact information on the New York State Department of Health website so you receive the notice if you’re a part of the affected group. These notices are easy to miss, so sign up for notifications from Keep Your Care and we’ll send you a reminder as deadlines approach.
The new work requirements will go into effect beginning January 1, 2027. Individuals up for renewal in 2027 will be required to come into compliance with work requirements at their scheduled renewal date. When individuals are up for renewal, the state will either renew based on existing data or request information from the individual to support their renewal. New York is not requesting any documentation to maintain coverage prior to January 1, 2027. Some adults ages 19-64 will need to renew their Medicaid every 6 months instead of once a year. Sign up for updates and we’ll notify you as deadlines approach.
A full list of exemptions can be found on New York State’s Department of Health website, but some people are automatically exempt, including: children 18 years old or younger, parents or caregivers of children 13 and under, people with disabilities, pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy, and those 65 and older. If you fall into any of these categories, it is recommended that you check the New York State Department of Health website for more information.
If you apply for Medicaid before January 1, 2027, or renew before March 1, 2027, you will be eligible for 12 months of coverage. After that, you will have to renew every 6 months. If you apply for Medicaid after January 1, 2027, or renew after March 1, 2027, you will have to renew every 6 months.
Most enrollees will need to document a qualifying exemption; at least 80 hours per month of employment, job training, and/or volunteering; attend school half-time; or earn at least $580 a month (you only need to meet one).
The New York State Department of Health website is the official enrollment website. Through that link, you can sign up there to receive free in-person assistance. You can also sign up with Keep Your Care and we’ll keep you up to date as deadlines approach.
Federal and state requirements and deadlines are still changing.
Sign up for updates and we’ll be sure to notify you about any New York-specific updates as they are released.